The menstrual cycle typically lasts three to seven days. If yours is particularly long or very frequent, then you should find an effective way to control your hormones and thus reduce the days you have your period. The contraceptive pill and intrauterine devices are the most effective methods to reduce and better control the menstrual cycle; however, there are also natural techniques, such as exercise, weight loss, and better sleep quality, which can also be helpful.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Medical Care
Step 1. Take the birth control pill
If you want your period to be shorter and less abundant then this drug can help you. Ask your gynecologist to prescribe it for you.
- Most oral contraceptives (the pill) are sold in packs of 28 doses. The first 21 pills contain a combination of estrogen and progesterone which prevent ovulation and thus pregnancy. The last 7 are placebos without any active ingredient.
- When you take the last pills in the pack, you will have vaginal bleeding similar to menstruation, although the biological processes behind this event are different than the natural ones that induce periods. Many women report having lighter and shorter flows when taking oral contraceptives.
Step 2. Try one of the new pills that are sold in packs of 24 effective doses
This means you will have 24 hormone pills instead of 21 and another 4 placebo doses. In this way the bleeding ("menstrual cycle") is reduced to 4 days or less.
There is no guarantee that this method will work, but if you stick to it for a number of months, your body will eventually get used to it and your period will be shorter. Consistency and determination are key, as many women see no results for three months or more of "treatment"
Step 3. Learn about birth control pills that suppress menstruation
These are another effective solution for women who have problems with their period as this is almost completely eliminated! Most of these medications must be taken for three months, after which vaginal bleeding ("the menstrual cycle") occurs. This means that you will have your period, on average, every three months instead of once a month.
Remember that this type of pill does not necessarily reduce the number of days you have the flow, but it does make your period less frequent. For that reason, it might be a good solution for your case
Step 4. Be aware of the side effects
Before starting to take oral contraceptives, it is essential to obtain a positive opinion from the gynecologist, to be sure that there are no other pathologies that make this therapy impractical. You also need to know the unpleasant effects that can occur, especially in the first months of taking.
- One of the most common side effects is spotting and bleeding on the days you are taking pills containing the active ingredient. These phenomena are due to the body's adaptation to "external" sources of hormones and should disappear after taking the pill for a few months.
- Some women also report breast pain, nausea, abdominal cramps, bloating, diarrhea or constipation or weight gain.
- Know that, if the side effects do not subside after a few months of treatment, you can always ask the gynecologist to change the pill and use that of another pharmaceutical company. Each drug contains estrogen and progesterone in different proportions and sometimes several attempts are required before finding the right product.
Step 5. Ask the gynecologist for information about the intrauterine device (IUD)
It is a "T" shaped instrument, made of copper or plastic, which the doctor inserts into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It may prove useful in reducing the days of the menstrual cycle, depending on the specific model of IUD.
- Copper ones are cheaper and have a longer lifespan (up to 10 years), but are known to cause heavier flows and more abdominal cramps; for this reason it may not be the right model for your needs, especially if the goal is to shorten or make your menstrual period less intense.
- The Mirena IUD, however, can turn out to be a good choice. It is composed of progesterone (female hormone) and is the "first choice" product in the prevention of pregnancy. Its effectiveness rate is close to 100% and it has a duration of 5 years. Furthermore, this device is able to make the flow less abundant (in some women the period disappears completely).
- The downside of this spiral is undoubtedly the cost, which is around € 200. However, if you can afford it, it is certainly the best solution to reduce the duration and intensity of menstruation.
Step 6. Learn about intrauterine devices
Many women prefer the pill to the IUD only because they are not properly informed and oral contraception seems like a "simpler" (or perhaps "less frightening") method, since there is nothing to implant in the uterus.
However, women who know the features, advantages and disadvantages of IUDs are more likely to use them, as the benefits are numerous. Not only is the menstrual cycle shorter and less abundant, but this device is a much more effective contraceptive technique. Although the initial cost is high, it pays for itself over the course of 5 years and, on balance, a spiral turns out to be cheaper than continuous treatment with the pill
Step 7. Consult your gynecologist if you are concerned about your periods that are too long or heavy
In some women it may be a sign of an underlying condition that needs to be diagnosed and treated; therefore it is always advisable to go to the doctor to rule out these problems or possibly treat them.
- Although the duration and intensity of the menstrual cycle varies from woman to woman, there are some factors that need to be brought to the attention of the gynecologist. You should see your doctor if you need to use a double sanitary pad to control your flow, if you notice blood clots for more than a day, if you completely soak a sanitary pad or tampon within an hour, or if you need to change it overnight, if menstruation lasts more than a week or you have symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath.
- There are multiple causes for a strangely heavy menstrual flow. These could be to be found in a hormonal imbalance, such as hypothyroidism, or in the taking of certain drugs, but there could also be quite serious reasons. Some cancers and ovarian diseases can cause abnormal bleeding. Your gynecologist will be able to pinpoint these causes with a regular pelvic exam and a thorough medical history. You may also have additional blood tests, x-rays, and ultrasound scans, based on the suspected diagnosis.
- Treatments depend on the cause that triggers the bleeding. Iron supplements, ibuprofen, oral contraceptives, and intrauterine devices can relieve symptoms.
- Before your visit to the gynecological clinic, be sure to follow all the instructions given to you, for example you may need to not eat the night before or write down your period dates. Also, you should always carry with you the list of medications you are taking, recent lifestyle changes, symptoms you are experiencing, and any doubts you have.
Method 2 of 2: Natural Remedies
Step 1. Stick to a healthy workout routine
If you exercise regularly, you greatly improve your overall health and help stabilize your menstrual cycles so that they are shorter and less abundant.
- If you are overweight, you should see your doctor and develop a weight loss plan with him. A normal weight helps to shorten the days of flow and make them less intense.
- Regardless of weight, women who lead a sedentary lifestyle tend to have longer periods. Moderate physical activity, 45-60 minutes a day, can shorten the length of the menstrual cycle. You can indulge in your favorite sport, walk fast, follow a cardiovascular workout or run.
- Be careful not to overdo it. Sometimes too intense training causes amenorrhea, that is, the interruption of menstruation not caused by pregnancy or menopause. This is a dangerous phenomenon, especially if you are not getting all the necessary nutrients while exercising. You should always ask your doctor for advice before changing your physical activity habits.
Step 2. Change power supply
Although the effects of diet on menstruation are still a matter of debate, some research indicates that a diet low in fat and high in healthy carbohydrates can reduce the number of days in your cycle.
- A diet that includes a high consumption of complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and that excludes most sugars and alcohol can decrease symptoms associated with menstruation, such as abdominal cramps and mood swings. It can also shorten the duration of the flow.
- Some studies indicate that a low-fat diet can reduce the number of menstrual days, albeit slightly.
- Since weight loss can cause shorter periods of time, you should change your diet if you are overweight. However, you should always consult your doctor before making any weight loss decisions.
Step 3. Improve your sleep / wake rhythm
If you sleep little or badly then you are generally more stressed. As a result, you may experience longer and more painful periods. If you stick to healthy sleep habits, then you are better able to manage your emotions.
- The loss of even a few hours of sleep leads to increased stress, anger and anxiety. All of these emotions can alter hormone production and trigger more profuse and longer lasting menstrual bleeding.
- Try to go to bed and get up at the same time every time. Over time your body will get used to this program and you will be able to respect it naturally. Set the alarm at the scheduled time and do not use the "snooze" button, which causes interrupted and unpleasant sleep that makes you feel even more tired throughout the day.
