Picture this: your much-anticipated beach vacation is just around the corner, and bam, your period decides to arrive the day before you’re set to leave. Or perhaps you’ve planned to wear that stunning white outfit to a special event, only for your menstrual flow to make its monthly appearance a few days prior. Maybe you simply experience consistently heavy and lengthy periods every month, disrupting your daily life and activities.
Periods can be undeniably inconvenient, and the desire to shorten their duration is a common one. A study revealed that a significant 59% of menstruating women in the United States express a wish to eliminate their monthly periods altogether [1]. Reasons for this desire range from alleviating pain and reducing the burden of menstrual hygiene to simply improving their overall quality of life.
If you resonate with that 59% and are searching for ways on How To Make Your Period End Faster, this article will explore seven safe methods to potentially shorten your period’s duration. But first, let’s establish a foundational understanding of menstruation and what constitutes a typical period.
Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle: What’s Typical?
A typical menstrual period generally lasts anywhere from two to seven days, with an average duration of around five days. The heaviest bleeding usually occurs within the first two days, and the total blood loss during a period typically ranges from one to five tablespoons (20 to 90ml). The menstrual cycle length, defined as the time from the first day of your period to the day before your next period begins, varies between 21 and 35 days on average. While the classic textbook cycle length has long been considered 28 days [2], research by Natural Cycles indicates that the average cycle length is actually closer to 29 days [3]. So, if you’ve always felt your cycle was longer than the perceived norm, you’re likely not alone!
It’s crucial to remember that every individual’s body and experience with menstruation is unique. How long your period lasts is a personal matter that can vary over time. Factors such as age [4], lifestyle, and underlying medical conditions play a role in determining where you fall within, or even outside of, these typical ranges. Some individuals experience heavier or lighter flows, while others have irregular periods, making it challenging to predict the exact start and end dates each month. As we age and approach menopause, menstrual cycles typically tend to shorten [4].
This inherent unpredictability of the menstrual cycle, coupled with the often burdensome premenstrual symptoms that accompany menstruation, can understandably lead you to wonder if it’s indeed possible to make your period end faster.
A calendar marked with blood droplets and a stopwatch, symbolizing the desire to shorten menstrual period duration.
Can You Actually Make Your Period End Sooner?
It’s important to clarify upfront that there’s currently no scientifically proven method to completely stop or end your period once it has begun. However, there are strategies to delay your period and, more relevantly to our focus, methods that may help to reduce the number of days your period lasts. Let’s begin by exploring options to prevent your period from starting in the first place.
1. Hormonal Birth Control: A Preventative Approach
One of the most widely used and well-researched methods for preventing menstruation is hormonal birth control. Various types of hormonal birth control are available, including pills, injections, patches, vaginal rings, and intrauterine devices (IUDs). These methods work in diverse ways to prevent pregnancy.
Hormonal birth control methods release synthetic hormones into your body. These hormones alter the reproductive environment to prevent pregnancy, often by suppressing ovulation. This lack of ovulation also means that a monthly period, in the traditional sense, doesn’t occur. Methods like the patch and ring, which contain estrogen, might still result in a short, regular monthly withdrawal bleed. Progesterone-only options, such as injections or IUDs, can either stop bleeding altogether or significantly lighten monthly flow for some individuals.
Specific usage of the birth control pill can temporarily halt menstruation entirely. If you are using a progestin-only pill (the mini-pill), you will typically have a 28-day pack of hormone pills. This continuous hormone supply prevents your period from starting. Irregular spotting or light bleeding can occur with the mini-pill, but it’s usually much lighter than a regular period.
For those on a combined pill (containing both estrogen and progestin), pill packs typically contain 21 hormonal pills and 7 placebo or sugar pills. To “skip” your period, you can simply start the next pack of hormonal pills on day 22, bypassing the week of inactive sugar pills [1].
Interestingly, the monthly “period” experienced during the sugar pill week is actually a withdrawal bleed, not a true menstrual period. If you continuously run pill packs together for several months, you might encounter breakthrough bleeding, a type of irregular bleeding. While generally not a cause for concern, it might negate the purpose of avoiding bleeding altogether. This is why many combined pill users choose to skip the sugar pill week occasionally for significant events rather than every month.
While birth control is effective for period prevention, the methods below focus on lightening your menstrual flow and reducing blood loss during your period, potentially leading to a shorter overall duration.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Medications (NSAIDs)
Individual results may vary, but non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (common brands include Advil and Motrin) can help alleviate menstrual symptoms like cramps and may also contribute to a lighter flow. It’s advisable to consult your doctor before using these medications specifically to lighten your flow, especially if you plan to take them for an extended period.
Northwestern Medicine explains that your body produces hormone-like substances called prostaglandins during menstruation. These prostaglandins trigger uterine contractions (cramps) that aid in shedding the uterine lining (the menstrual blood). Ibuprofen works by inhibiting prostaglandin production, which can reduce cramps and lighten menstrual flow [6].
It’s crucial to note that other over-the-counter pain relievers like acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) are not recommended for reducing period flow. Aspirin has anti-clotting effects that can actually increase menstrual blood loss. If you use pain medication for relief or decide with your doctor to use medication to lighten your period, stick to NSAIDs [12].
3. Tranexamic Acid: A Medication for Heavy Bleeding
Tranexamic acid is another medication proven more effective than NSAIDs in managing heavy menstrual bleeding. It can reduce blood loss by 26% to 60% [13]. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing heavy flows that significantly impact their daily lives. However, it’s essential to consult your physician to ensure tranexamic acid won’t interact with any pre-existing health conditions or medications you may be taking.
Tranexamic acid functions by preventing blood clots from breaking down, thereby reducing bleeding. While potential side effects include headaches, fatigue, and cramps, it is an effective option for lessening menstrual blood loss [12].
4. Herbal Remedies: Natural Approaches
For those preferring a more natural approach, certain herbs may help lighten your period and alleviate associated physical symptoms:
-
Ginger: Small-scale studies suggest ginger may reduce blood loss in women with heavy menstrual bleeding, with minimal adverse effects [7]. Ginger is versatile and can be taken in capsules, as a tea, or consumed directly, such as pickled ginger.
-
Chamomile: This herb may also decrease menstrual bleeding amount with minimal side effects [8]. Chamomile is also effective in managing PMS symptoms like cramps and anxiety due to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. Chamomile can have a mild sedative effect [9], so monitor its effects, and consider taking it closer to bedtime if drowsiness occurs. It’s commonly available as tea or in capsule form.
-
Frankincense: While less extensively studied than ginger and chamomile, limited evidence suggests frankincense may reduce both period duration and blood loss [10].
5. Vitamin B: Potential Cycle Regulator
Vitamin B, particularly B-complex and/or B12, might help regulate cycles for women with abnormally long periods and heavy bleeding. More research is needed, but a small study showed promising results for 43 out of 47 participants. It’s theorized that Vitamin B aids in efficient estrogen metabolism, potentially regulating and even shortening periods [11].
Is It Safe to Shorten Your Period?
Generally, yes, using the methods discussed above to shorten your period is considered safe. However, it’s always recommended to consult a healthcare professional to determine if these options are suitable for you, particularly if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications.
Consider clarifying your goals by asking yourself:
- Why do I want to shorten my period?
- How long do I want to shorten it for? Is this a one-time need or a long-term preference?
- Which safe methods are most practical for my lifestyle?
Once you feel confident in your decision, discuss period shortening options with your doctor. Consulting your healthcare professional before making significant medical changes is always recommended.
Debunking Myths: What Doesn’t Work
Now that we’ve covered effective methods, let’s address some common internet myths about stopping or shortening periods. Here’s what has not been proven to work:
Myth: Drinking Water Shortens Your Period
There is little to no scientific evidence to support the idea that drinking water can shorten your period. Some online sources claim that increased water intake “flushes out” menstrual blood faster, but this is unsubstantiated. Suggestions to drink salt water or vinegar water to shorten periods are also false and potentially harmful.
While staying hydrated is crucial for overall health, there’s no evidence that water intake impacts period duration [5].
Myth: Period Products Affect Period Length
Your choice of menstrual hygiene product is a personal preference. While some suggest tampons might slightly restrict blood flow, no scientific evidence supports the idea that your choice of product affects cycle length [14].
Experiment with various period products to find what feels best for you (consider menstrual cups, period underwear, and other period products), but understand that product choice doesn’t influence period length.
When Won’t My Period Stop? Understanding Prolonged Periods
Prolonged periods can have various underlying causes. It’s crucial to consult your doctor to discuss your health history and lifestyle to determine the most likely cause and appropriate treatment. Bleeding for an extended time or experiencing consistently heavy periods that disrupt your life can be stressful and concerning. It’s important to seek professional medical advice rather than trying to “push through” as there may be an underlying issue requiring attention. You deserve to live a life where periods don’t impede your well-being!
Conditions that may lead to unusually long periods include hormonal imbalances, bleeding disorders, uterine fibroids, or liver, kidney, or thyroid diseases. Your specific situation may be different, so consult a doctor if your period lasts longer than seven days and/or if you need to change your pad or tampon every 1-2 hours due to heavy bleeding [15].
Empowering Yourself with Cycle Knowledge
Tracking your cycle symptoms each month can reveal patterns that emerge over time. These insights can inform your health journey, enrich conversations with your doctor, and empower your personal health decisions. Natural Cycles is a user-friendly tool that can help you learn more about your body and cycle. Beyond period tracking, Natural Cycles is also a certified, hormone-free, and non-invasive birth control app. Explore if it’s the right option for you today.
Shannon Donohue, professional writer specializing in women’s health and empowerment, author of the article.
Dr. Danielle Perro, Medical Affairs Manager at Natural Cycles and women’s health expert, fact-checker for the article.
References
- Buck, E., McNally, L., Vadakekut, E. S., Jenkins, S. M. Menstrual Suppression. (2024 June 7). NIH. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK592411/
- Overview: Periods. (2023 January 5). NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/periods/
- Bull, J.R., Rowland, S.P., Scherwitzl, E.B. et al. Real-world menstrual cycle characteristics of more than 600,000 menstrual cycles. Nature Partner Journals. (2019 August 27). https://www.nature.com/articles/s41746-019-0152-7
- Menstrual cycles today: how menstrual cycles vary by age, weight, race, and ethnicity. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (November 2022). https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/applewomenshealthstudy/updates/menstrualcyclestoday/#:~:text=Menstrual%20cycles%20started%20out%20relatively,longer%20again%20after%20age%2050
- Torkan, B., Mousavi, M., Dehghani, S. et al. The role of water intake in the severity of pain and menstrual distress among females suffering from primary dysmenorrhea: a semi-experimental study. (2021). BMC Women’s Health 21, 40. https://bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12905-021-01184-w#Sec10
- Quick Dose: Can Ibuprofen Reduce Menstrual Flow?. (February 2020) Northwestern Medicine. https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/can-ibuprofen-reduce-menstrual-flow
- Kashefi F, Khajehei M, Alavinia M, Golmakani E, Asili J. Effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale) on heavy menstrual bleeding: a placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. (2015 January 29). NIH. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25298352/
- Mollabashi EN, Ziaie T, Bekhradi R, Khalesi ZB. Do Chamomile effect on duration, amount of bleeding, and interval of menstrual cycles? (2020 March 31). NIH. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32322432/
- Khalesi ZB, Beiranvand SP, Bokaie M. Efficacy of Chamomile in the Treatment of Premenstrual Syndrome: A Systematic Review. (2019 December 22). NIH. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6970572/
- Eshaghian R, Mazaheri M, Ghanadian M, Rouholamin S, Feizi A, Babaeian M. The effect of frankincense (Boswellia serrata, oleoresin) and ginger (Zingiber officinale, rhizoma) on heavy menstrual bleeding: A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. (February 2019). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30670277/
- Yassaee F, Hadadianpour S. The effects of Cobalamin and B-complex on hypermenorrhea. (2020 March 18). NIH. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7212998/
- InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Heavy periods: Learn More – Treatment options for heavy periods. [Updated 2021 Jun 17]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279293/
- Leminen H, Hurskainen R. Tranexamic acid for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding: efficacy and safety. (2012 August 17). NIH. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22956886/
- Nall, R. How to stop or speed up your period. (2023 December 18). Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322958#ways-to-stop-periods-long-term
- Menorrhagia. (N.D.). Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/menorrhagia
