Whether you're eagerly anticipating your period for scheduling reasons, setting off on a holiday in a weeks’ time, or hoping to alleviate pre-menstrual symptoms, there are many reasons why you might want to make your period come more quickly. But can this actually be done?

Your menstrual cycle is a regular, natural process which usually lasts around 28 days (although this can vary a lot from person to person). Your cycle is controlled by hormones, and several factors can influence the length and regularity of the cycle, including fluctuations in hormone levels, stress and exercise.

Because we're all different, there's no one way fits all fix to make your period arrive more quickly. However, there are natural methods and techniques that you can try to encourage your period to arrive. 

How to Encourage Menstruation

Your period happens from around days 1-5 of your monthly cycle, when the uterus sheds its lining which results in bleeding. During the lead up to menstruation you might be feeling uncomfortable, experience premenstrual symptoms, and be keen to get things underway.

One of the few ways you can try to get your period started sooner is through what you eat and drink. 

Speeding up your period process naturally through food 

Traditionally, the use of certain foods and herbal remedies is believed to help induce menstruation, due to their effect on hormone levels.

Vitamin C is thought to increase estrogen levels in the body. In particular, pineapple contains an enzyme (bromelain) which is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help relax muscles. A 2019 study mentions how pineapple juice has been effective in reducing period pain.

Ginger is also known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain relief) properties which can aid in inducing menstruation. Similarly, turmeric contains anti-inflammatory properties and can also affect estrogen and progesterone levels. 

Herbs such as chamomile and cinnamon are traditionally thought to help with inducing periods. Chamomile has been said to improve blood flow, and cinnamon can help regulate insulin levels which could have an effect on other hormones and the menstrual cycle. 

Whilst a chamomile tea or a ginger and orange smoothie can have some wonderful benefits for your overall health and wellbeing, it goes without saying of course that they should only be consumed in moderation. 

For more tips on what to eat before, during and after your cycle you can check out this guide.  

Physical Activity

A safer, and more reliable route to encouraging the onset of your period is some gentle exercise. Moderate physical activity has been associated with more balanced hormone levels, which may help ensure a regular ovulation and menstruation. 

Exercise can help improve blood circulation, reduce stress, and regulate oestrogen and progesterone levels. This is important because oestrogen and progesterone are key players in the menstrual cycle.

Not only does exercise trigger key menstrual hormones, it can also trigger the release of endorphins ("feel-good" hormones) in the brain which can help to combat stress. Stress is common factor that can lead to irregularities in the menstrual cycle. So by reducing stress levels, exercise may help restore hormonal balance and encourage your period to start! 

Plus, exercising can also alleviate premenstrual symptoms such as cramps and headaches. 

It's necessary to note that while exercise is beneficial, excessive or intense workouts can actually have the opposite effect, high levels of physical exertion can lead to irregularities.

So, if you’re hoping to help your period arrive more quickly, a long walk, swim or a workout class could be just what you need to get things moving, but don’t overdo it and end up over exerting yourself in the process.

Wondering where to start when it comes to working out when working with your hormone cycle? Take a look at: Work With Your Hormone Cycle To Improve Your Workout. 

Birth Control Options

If you find that you’re the kind of person who likes to know when their period is coming so that you can feel prepared, there are several birth control options that can help regulate your cycle. Hormonal contraceptives like birth control pills, patches, and injections can regulate menstrual cycles and potentially induce periods.

These contraceptives contain synthetic hormones that mimic the effects of naturally occurring hormones in the body, primarily estrogen and progestin (synthetic progesterone).

Birth control pills, patches, and injections provide a steady supply of hormones throughout the menstrual cycle, which helps stabilise hormone levels and prevent fluctuations that can lead to irregular periods or symptoms like heavy bleeding and menstrual cramps. The consistent hormonal environment created can regulate the menstrual cycle and promote regular, predictable periods.

Before starting any new form of birth control make sure that it is the right method for you and be sure to arrange a consultation with a healthcare provider.

Preparing for your period to arrive

You’ll know if you’ve tried it - using tampons or pads when you’re expecting the onset of your period isn’t a nice experience. Especially if your period doesn’t arrive when you expect. The absorbency of the tampon or material of a dry pad can often leave you feeling uncomfortable, and unable to prepare for your period's arrival.

The wonderful thing about using a menstrual cup like the Ruby Cup, is that you can use it at any stage of your period, even if you’re waiting for your period to start and don’t know how soon exactly that might be.

Our menstrual cups are made from medical grade silicone and aren’t absorbent. So, you’re safe to use your cup even if your period hasn’t started yet, or if you have spotting or a super light flow at the beginning of your cycle! 

Take a closer look at the cup here. 

If you're wondering, what's a menstrual cup? Check out our guide where all the questions from how it's used, how sizing works, and the benefits of using a cup are answered. 

Period pants are also great when you're in those tricky 'in-between' pre period stages! They’re super comfortable and you can wear them while you wait for your period to start, safe in the knowledge that when it arrives you’re already protected.

Ruby Life Period Underwear holds an impressive 50ml capacity, which is the equivalent to three tampons! So, even when you do (finally) start, you don't have to worry about being uncomfortable. 

Never tried period underwear before and wondering why you should? Check out Period Pants: Everything You Need to Know. 

So can you make your period come early?

Although there's no one guaranteed way to make your period come faster, several natural methods and lifestyle changes may help encourage it to start.

Ultimately, occasional variations in the menstrual cycle are completely normal and you should try not to worry, relax and let your period arrive naturally. However, if you are particularly worried about the regularity of your period, be sure to check in with a consultant.