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8 Effective Home Remedies for Irregular Periods
Irregular periods are usually painful, frustrating, and emotionally distressing for females like you. Menstrual irregularities, from missed periods to delayed cycles and excessive bleeding, affect millions of females of reproductive age.
Occasional changes in menstrual cycles are not a cause for concern. However, you need to be careful and address them if they are constant. There are specific practical home remedies for irregular periods for your support.
This post will be a good read if you are looking for tips on how to get regular periods naturally. After talking to Dr Mandeep Sahanpal (BAMS and BLS LLB), we will explore the following points in this blog post:
What are Irregular Periods?
Menstruation is a biological process for females. It starts from the puberty age groups (12-15 years) and lasts around 45-50 years in a female's life. In this process, the uterus lining sheds periodically.
Generally, a menstruation cycle is 28 days. A menstruation cycle is from the first day of a period to the next. According to the NHS UK Irregular Periods guide, it can last for 21 to 35 days. Your periods are irregular if your menstruation cycle:
- Is shorter than 21 days
- Is longer than 35 days
- Time keeps changing
- Contains bleeding for more than 7 days
Types of Irregular Periods
Knowing the type of irregular periods is essential. It can help you identify the causes and find a suitable home remedy for irregular periods. Common types are as follows:
- Oligomenorrhea – Highly infrequent periods. In this type, menstruation cycles are longer than 35 days.
- Polymenorrhea – Frequent periods. In it, menstruation cycles are shorter than 21 days.
- Amenorrhoea – It relates to the absence of menstruation periods for three or more consecutive cycles.
- Menorrhagia – It has highly excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
- Metrorrhagia – It relates to bleeding between periods or at unpredictable intervals.
These menstruation or period irregularities may be chronic or transient and often need different approaches for management.
What are the Symptoms of Irregular Periods?
The symptoms of irregular periods closely relate to the type of irregularities. However, these signs may include:
- Skipping/missed periods
- Periods that occur less or more frequently
- Minimal or excessive bleeding
- Blood spotting or clotting between periods
- Many menstrual cramps
- Fatigue or mood changes around menstruation
- Unusual dark blood
It is crucial to monitor persistent symptoms, particularly if they interrupt your daily life through weight fluctuations or pelvic pain.
Home Remedies for Irregular Periods
Using specific home remedies can be fruitful to you if you are looking for tips on how to cure irregular periods naturally. Modern scientific studies have backed these home remedies for their efficacy in managing irregular periods.
1. Ginger
Ginger has been beneficial in treating many diseases, including irregular periods, for thousands of years. Ayurvedic doctors say that consuming raw ginger can assist in regulating menstrual periods.
Scientific evidence
According to a 2024 NCBI study, ginger has antioxidants that support lower inflammation and balance hormones. Further, it assists in contracting the muscles in the uterus.
How to use
Take a glass of warm water in a pan. Add freshly cut 4-5 small to medium ginger pieces. Boil the water for 5 to 10 minutes. Add honey and drink this water 1 to 2 times a day for 2-3 weeks.
2. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is highly beneficial in addressing several health issues, like irregular periods. It can be one of the most effective delayed periods home remedies.
Scientific studies
A 2014 study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology found that consuming cinnamon was effective in regulating menstruation cycles in women with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
According to a 2018 study published in ScienceDirect, cinnamon can notably lower the severity of periods, particularly dysmenorrhoea. It is a safe home remedy for addressing irregular periods.
How to use
Mix a tablespoon of cinnamon powder in a glass of water. Drink this water once a day for 2-3 months. You can add cinnamon to your meals.
3. Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds have phytoestrogens that can help ease menstrual cramps and regulate periods.
Scientific research
A 2014 study published in the Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research noticed the efficacy of fennel in balancing hormones and lowering menstrual pain.
How to use
Soak 2 tablespoons of fennel seeds in a glass of water overnight. Drink the water on an empty stomach in the morning.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
ACV might help improve ovulatory function and insulin sensitivity in females with PCOS. As a result, you would have regular menstrual periods.
Scientific evidence
A 2013 Japanese study observed that consuming ACV regularly for 2-3 months can enhance ovulation in women with PCOS.
How to use
Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of ACV in a glass of warm water. Drink this water 2-3 times a day before meals.
5. Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are rich in lignans and help control oestrogen levels and enhance menstrual regularity or regularise menstrual periods.
Scientific research
According to a 2012 study, flaxseeds might help normalise menstrual cycles and regulate oestrogen levels.
How to use
Consume 1 to 2 tablespoons of flaxseeds with salads, yoghurt, or smoothies.
6. Carrot Juice
Rich in beta-carotene, carrots can help regulate menstrual cycles. Gynecologists suggest carrot juice to females as a home remedy for missed periods.
How to use
Drink a glass of freshly prepared carrot juice daily for 2 to 3 weeks.
7. Turmeric
Health experts know turmeric for its phytoestrogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties help regulate hormones. Balanced hormones are crucial for normal/regular periods.
Scientific insight
According to a 2017 NCBI study, turmeric has curcumin, which can regulate reproductive function in females.
How to use
Mix a half teaspoon of turmeric powder with a glass of warm milk or water. Drink this mix daily for 2 to 3 months.
8. Yoga and Meditation
The right balance between the body and the mind can lower cortisol levels and restore hormonal balance. Cortisol is a stress hormone.
Scientific evidence
A 2018 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine states that yoga can enhance menstrual regularity and lower anxiety in females with PCOS.
How to do
Watch yoga TV programmes or videos on YouTube and perform poses like meditation, anulom vilom, pranayam, etc.
Common Causes of Irregular Periods
Keep in mind that the duration of a menstruation cycle, or period varies from one female to another. However, irregular periods occur in women with the following health conditions:
- Hormonal imbalances
- Contraceptive pills
- Highly comfortable lifestyle
- Unhealthy eating habits
- Stress
- Thyroid
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
When Should You See a Doctor?
Occasional irregularities in periods or menstruation cycles are typical. You should consult/see a doctor when you notice your period symptoms are severe and start disrupting your daily life. See a doctor if you
- Have missed more than three periods in a year.
- Have an increased frequency of periods and get your periods more often than regular 21 days.
- Notice your period frequency is reduced, and you have periods less often than your normal 35 days.
- Experience an unnatural amount of bleeding
- Have period bleeding for more than 7 days
Final Words
Irregular periods may make you feel isolated. They are usual these days, and you can easily manage them through home remedies for irregular periods. These remedies typically include herbs/spices and lifestyle modifications.
The home remedies discussed above, from yoga to herbs and spices, offer holistic, gentle support for your overall reproductive health, including menstrual cycles. However, it is crucial to see a reproductive health expert before applying any remedies and detecting any underlying health issues.
What is the fastest way to cure irregular periods?
Modifying lifestyle habits, maintaining a healthy body weight, managing stress, and consuming spices and herbs like cinnamon and ginger can help cure irregular periods.
How can I regulate my period naturally?
To regulate your periods, always eat a balanced diet, manage stress, exercise moderately, sleep well, and try natural herbs like flaxseeds, cinnamon, and apple cider vinegar.
What drink is good for irregular periods?
Carrot juice and ginger tea are ideal drinks to regularise your menstrual periods.
What home remedy can I use to get my period today?
Ginger tea or flexseeds are home remedies that can help you regularise your periods.
Can I get pregnant with irregular periods?
Yes, you can conceive with irregular periods. However, it might be harder to predict ovulation.
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