Want to Get Periods Early? Here's What You Can Try

• Written by Gungun Bhatia

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

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“Why hasn’t my period come yet?” If you’ve found yourself asking this question while counting days on the calendar, you’re not alone.

Whether you’re planning a vacation, have a special event coming up, or simply want relief from PMS symptoms, many people look for safe ways to get their periods early. While you can't directly control your cycle, some natural methods and lifestyle changes might help.

In this guide, let's explore how to get periods early, including possible causes of delayed periods, safe home remedies, helpful sleeping positions, and how soon you can expect results. So, let’s start the journey towards a healthier you.

Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle

Before trying any method to induce your period early, it is essential to know how your cycle works.

• Average cycle length: Around 28 days (but anywhere between 21–35 days is normal).
• Hormonal regulation: The cycle is controlled by estrogen and progesterone.
• Triggers for menstruation: When progesterone levels drop, the uterine lining sheds, resulting in your period.

Note: Any change in hormones, lifestyle, or health can affect when you get your period.

Causes of Delayed Periods

Not every late period means pregnancy — several everyday factors can shift your cycle:

• Stress: High cortisol can delay ovulation.
• Weight changes: Sudden gain or loss affects hormone balance.
• Excessive workout: Overtraining can suppress periods.
• Illness or chronic conditions: PCOS, thyroid issues, and anaemia are common culprits.
• Dietary changes: Low-carb or very low-calorie diets can affect cycles.
• Medications: Certain contraceptives or hormonal treatments may delay menstruation.
• Perimenopause: Hormonal shifts before menopause can cause delays.

Tip: If your periods are irregular for more than 3 months without an apparent reason, consult a gynaecologist before trying to self-induce them.

How to Get Periods Early - Safe & Natural Ways

While no method works every single time, these home remedies for getting early periods can help support your cycle. Let’s explore the practical techniques:

Vitamin C-Rich Foods

Vitamin C might affect your period by raising estrogen and lowering progesterone, potentially causing your uterus to contract and start your period early.

Best sources:

• Citrus fruits (orange, lemon, grapefruit)
• Papaya
• Kiwi
• Strawberries
• Bell peppers

Note: It is always advisable to avoid excessive Vitamin C intake without medical advice. It could upset your stomach.

Warm Compress or Heat Therapy

Applying a warm heating pad or hot water bottle to your lower abdomen can increase blood flow, relax your uterine muscles, and aid in the faster shedding of your uterine lining.

How to do it:

• Use a heating pad for 15–20 minutes at a time.
• Repeat 2–3 times a day.

Bonus tip: Taking a warm bath with essential oils, like lavender, may also relax the body and promote hormonal balance.

Exercise & Yoga

Regular, moderate workouts can help regulate your hormones and boost blood flow, leading to a more regular period.

Best moves:

• Light cardio like brisk walking
• Yoga poses such as Cobra Pose, Bow Pose, and Camel Pose are known for stimulating the pelvic region.

Bonus Tip: Avoid over-exercising because too much physical strain can delay periods instead.

Herbal Teas

Some herbs have a history of use to promote menstruation, a practice known as emmenagogue. It is beneficial to use those herbs by making them into teas. Some popular choices include:

• Parsley tea – increases blood flow to the uterus.
• Cinnamon tea – improves circulation and regulates hormones.

Bonus Tip: Always consult your doctor before trying herbal remedies, especially if you have health conditions or are on medication.

Sleeping Position to Get Periods Early

Your sleeping position can influence blood circulation to the uterus.

• Recommended: Fetal position (lying on your side with knees pulled towards your chest) improves pelvic blood flow.
• Avoid: Sleeping face down for prolonged periods, as it can restrict circulation.

Foot Massage to Get Periods Faster

Reflexology proposes that pressing specific points on your feet may affect reproductive organs.

Where to press: The area just below the ball of your foot, aligned with the arch.

How to do it: Apply firm, circular pressure for 2–3 minutes per foot daily.

Sexual Activity

It's often said that sex, especially when it leads to orgasm, can sometimes start menstruation. There are a couple of reasons why this might occur. First, during sex and particularly orgasm, your blood flow increases. This boost in circulation could possibly play a role in starting your period. Second, orgasms cause uterine contractions. These contractions may also be a factor in bringing on menstruation.

Bonus Tip: While not a guaranteed method, it’s a natural way to stimulate hormonal activity.

Healthy Fats

The best way to induce your periods is to include omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. It is one of the essential nutrients that support hormone production. Some of the sources are:

• Flaxseeds
• Walnuts
• Avocados
• Olive oil

Foods to Get EarlyPeriods

To bring periods early, eating the right food is necessary. So, if you are looking for foods that may help start your period, consider these nutritious choices.

• Sesame seeds – rich in lignans and fatty acids
• Dates – naturally warming food
• Pomegranate juice – believed to help in traditional remedies
• Parsley tea – contains apiol, which may stimulate uterine contractions
• Carrot juice – promotes blood circulation

How Soon Can You Expect Results?

If you’re using natural remedies, results vary:

• Mild delays (a few days) – You might see results within 2–5 days.
• Hormonal imbalance – May take longer and require medical treatment.
• Lifestyle-based delays (stress, travel) – Adjusting habits could regulate your cycle within a week.

Remember: These remedies are most effective when your cycle is already due or slightly delayed, not weeks early.

Why Do Women Try to Get Their Periods Early?

There are many reasons someone might want to bring on their period sooner than usual:

• Special occasions or trips where menstruation might cause discomfort.
• Medical tests or surgeries require avoiding menstruation during recovery.
• Regulating irregular cycles for health and fertility reasons.
• Relieving anxiety caused by delayed periods.

What NOT to Do When Trying to Get Periods Early

While you might find some extreme “quick fix” suggestions online, many are unsafe:

• Excessive vitamin C: Can cause stomach upset and kidney issues
• High-dose herbal supplements: May have side effects and interact with medications
• Over-exercising: Can disrupt your cycle instead of helping
• Pregnancy caution: Some methods (like high-dose herbs) can harm pregnancy — do not attempt without confirming you’re not pregnant.

Bonus Tip: Always opt for gentle, natural methods or consult a doctor for a safe plan.

Myths About Getting Periods Early

With essential online advice, it’s important to separate fact from fiction.

• Myth 1: Drinking alcohol can make periods start faster.
• Myth 2: Taking excessive herbal teas will guarantee immediate results.
• Myth 3: Extreme workouts will make your period come sooner.

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical help if you experience:

• Periods delayed for over 2 weeks or 90 days
• Frequently irregular periods
• Severe cramps, heavy bleeding, or clotting
• Unexplained weight gain/loss
• Excessive facial or body hair growth (possible PCOS)
• Unusual nipple discharge

Take Care of Your Overall Health Too

While tracking your periods and understanding the complete cycle is important, it’s usually essential to safeguard your overall health. In light of this, having an individual health insurance plan ensures you can get timely consultations, diagnostic tests, and treatments without worrying about high medical bills.

With Care Health Insurance, you can enjoy comprehensive hospitalisation cover, cashless treatment across 11500+ hospitals, annual health check-ups, lifelong renewability, ambulance coverage, and both your e. Hence, protect both your reproductive and general health for the long run with Care Health today!

>> Also Read: White Discharge Problem in Women: Is It Normal?

Final Thoughts

While how to get periods early is a common question, remember that your cycle is a reflection of your overall health. Natural remedies to get periods early, like heat therapy, papaya, herbal teas, and yoga, can help — but only if your delay is due to temporary factors like stress or lifestyle changes.

For persistent irregularities, consult a gynaecologist. Your body’s rhythm deserves care, patience, and balance — not just quick fixes.

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Plan features, benefits, coverage, and underwriting claims are subject to policy terms and conditions. Please refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.