The menstrual cycle, while annoying, is a natural element in a woman's life and is the body's way of communicating that the reproductive organs are functioning properly. The total absence of the menstrual cycle is usually a sign of an unhealthy lifestyle associated with being significantly underweight or overweight or with excessive physical activity that the body cannot tolerate. However, there are ways to make it last shorter and, over time, change it.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Making Habits to Shorten the Cycle
Step 1. Use the heat to your advantage
Place an electric warmer on your pelvis or take a warm bath to help relax your pelvic muscles and dilate your blood vessels, thereby stimulating blood flow and speeding up your cycle.
You can consider it an "alibi" to enjoy a nice warm bath and soak for a while. The cramps should subside and menstruation could accelerate its course; not to mention that in this way you can also take time for yourself, which we all need
Step 2. Exercise regularly
Working out during your period can help relieve PMS symptoms, such as swelling, fatigue, and moodiness. Many women find that regular exercise can also facilitate the duration and abundance of menstruation in the long term.
In fact, if you train excessively or anyway more than your body is used to, you can completely alter your normal cycle schedule. Gymnasts and other women who perform similar activities do not menstruate at all because they engage in too much physical activity. Although you shouldn't overdo the exercise to the point of exhausting the body, regular moderate training has many benefits
Step 3. Try acupuncture
It is one of the oldest healing practices in the world and is used to treat a wide range of physical ailments using pressure points rather than traditional medicine. By taking this therapy regularly, you can optimize your menstrual cycle and relieve mood swings, cramps and other premenstrual symptoms.
It is also great for stress. However, some women believe that it can completely interrupt their period, so it is important to talk to your doctor before starting acupuncture
Step 4. Have sex during your period
The new science is convinced that orgasms can limit the duration of menstruation. In fact, during the moment of maximum pleasure the woman has muscle spasms which in turn stimulate the blood to flow faster from the uterus. If this doesn't make you particularly uncomfortable and you don't find it so repulsive, it's worth a try.
- Among other things, most women have a greater sexual desire during menstruation. Wait at least the 3rd day (or when the flow is a little lighter), prepare some towels and limit yourself to the "missionary position". You may be surprised at how pleasant it is.
- While this is unlikely, be aware that it is possible to get pregnant during your period. Therefore do not risk and use the necessary precautions.
Part 2 of 3: Eating and Drinking Different
Step 1. Drink lots of water
Dehydration during periods can cause increased swelling and other unpleasant premenstrual symptoms. Try to drink more water than usual during this time to combat these problems.
Cut back on caffeine, alcohol and salt, as these are all substances that dehydrate the body. If you consume these products, you will be forced to drink even more water
Step 2. Drink lots of tea
If you are trying to combat the urge to drink caffeinated substances and beverages, turn your attention to tea. Not only will it help you stick to your new eating habits, but studies have found that it's also good for cramping.
Tea is the best drink after water. If you can't drink water, this should be your first choice. In addition to keeping you hydrated, tea has also been linked to the fight against cancer, heart disease and diabetes; it also promotes weight loss, reduces cholesterol and stimulates mental alertness
Step 3. Get more vitamin C
Taking a lot of vitamin C can deprive the uterus of progesterone with a consequent dissolution of the internal uterine walls. All of these factors can lead to an acceleration of the cycle, causing it to end earlier. Here is a short list of foods that are rich in vitamin C:
- Cantaloupe melon.
- Citrus fruits and related juices, such as orange and grapefruit.
- Kiwi.
- Mango.
- Papaya.
- Pineapple.
- Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries.
- Watermelon.
Step 4. Eat some foods that can reduce period pains
You can eliminate or at least decrease the cramps and problems associated with the menstrual period through diet. Below is a list of foods rich in vitamins, minerals, omega-3s, and antioxidants that can reduce pain and decrease cycle length:
- Dill.
- Celery.
- Sesame seeds.
- Salmon.
- Dark chocolate.
- Parsley.
- Hummus.
Step 5. Avoid dairy, caffeine, sugar, alcohol, and red meat
These foods have the characteristic of causing stomach cramps and upset, as well as facilitating a state of stress and anxiety (at least in the case of caffeine). If you want to be safe, avoid these items during your period.
If you are in desperate need of something that will give you a boost of energy, opt for a piece of dark chocolate and a glass of red wine. Dark chocolate contains the sugar you want, but it's more natural; Red wine has heart benefits and contains antioxidants that work in your favor
Part 3 of 3: Using Drugs
Step 1. Consider the birth control pill
Its function is to suppress the fertility of the body and to temporarily eliminate menstruation. Some women take it for the sole purpose of reducing cycle length and frequency. Talk to your gynecologist to see if this contraceptive is safe for you.
- The amount of cycles you will have each year will depend on the type of birth control you take.
- For some women it can cause unexpected bleeding (spotting) between periods.
Step 2. Also consider other forms of contraceptives
Almost all types of birth control pills (hormonal IUD, implant, injection, pill, patch, and ring) can make the cycle lighter. They don't make it go away in the blink of an eye, but they can stop subsequent problems from occurring. Talk to your doctor if any of these solutions are right for your situation.
If for some reason you do not want to menstruate at all, know that many women have found that their cycle has stopped after giving birth control for about a year
Step 3. Carefully consider skipping the rest period between one pack and another of birth control pills
If you are taking the pill, it is relatively safe to avoid the week off and start another pack immediately. That way, you don't get your period at all.
- Provided there is approval from your gynecologist, this method can be safe. The important thing is to know that you may have intermenstrual bleeding if you rely on this method for too long or too often. You may also experience strange physical symptoms, and in the case of a pregnancy test, the result would not be reliable.
- There are birth control pills on the market that stay active for 12 weeks, which means you have a cycle every three months. If you think this might be a good compromise for you, go to your doctor to get a prescription for one of these drugs (Seasonal, Jolessa and Quasense, Seasonique and Camrese, Lybrel).
Step 4. Take some pain relievers
In addition to fighting the pain and discomfort that often occurs with each cycle, NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can also reduce bleeding by 20-50%. Get one before bed for a more restful sleep.
Follow the directions and dosage on the leaflet to find out how much to take. The recommended dose of ibuprofen and Motrin ranges from 200 to 400 mg orally every 4-6 hours, as needed
Step 5. Take calcium and vitamin D to better deal with PMS
Some experienced doctors believe that a deficiency in these elements can aggravate premenstrual symptoms. If you're concerned about not getting enough of these nutrients, consider buying a multivitamin to take every day or change your diet to include more vitamin D and calcium-rich foods.
- Milk, cabbage, yogurt, rhubarb, tofu, and sardines are all rich sources of calcium.
- To get more vitamin D, add more fish (especially raw), eggs, dairy products, oysters, mushrooms, and fortified grains into your diet.
- You can also take a cod liver oil supplement, which contains both vitamins A and D.
Step 6. Talk to your gynecologist if you have heavy periods (menorrhagia)
All women would like to have shorter and lighter periods, but for some it can be a real medical necessity. Menorrhagia is a problem that consists in having excessively long and / or abundant cycles. Excessive bleeding caused by this disorder can cause anemia, shortness of breath, fatigue, and sleep disruption. Proper care depends primarily on the cause of the abnormal bleeding. Among the different treatments there is the intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, hormone therapy or drugs that facilitate blood clotting.
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To assess whether the bleeding is excessively abundant, consider the following symptoms:
- Sufficient bleeding to soak a tampon or sanitary pad every hour.
- Cycle that lasts more than 7 days.
- Passage of blood clots during menstruation.
- If you experience these symptoms, see your doctor. You can start taking medication right away that will bring your period back to normal and keep you healthy.
Warnings
- The contraceptive pill does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. You still need to practice safe sex, even if you are using birth control.
- Talk to your doctor before introducing any new vitamins or herbal supplements to your diet, especially if you are currently taking other medications.
- The birth control pill can cause numerous negative side effects, including weight gain and blood pressure. Before you start taking it (whatever the reason), consider whether the benefits outweigh the potential risks.
