How to Bring on Your Period: A Guide for Delayed Cycles

Missed your period and feeling anxious? We’ve all been there! Whether it’s stress, hormonal shifts, or lifestyle changes throwing your cycle off track, we’ve got you covered. While delayed periods can be a cause of worry, there are several ways to manage delayed periods naturally and safely. Ready to take charge of your menstrual health with confidence?

The Basics of the Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle is a natural, monthly process in which a woman’s body prepares for a possible pregnancy. It begins with menstruation—when the uterine lining sheds and exits the body through the vagina, typically as a mix of blood, mucus, and tissue.

This cycle is regulated by hormonal changes and includes several phases: menstruation, the rebuilding of the uterine lining, ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary), and—if fertilisation doesn’t occur—the shedding of the lining again. This cycle plays a key role in reproductive health and fertility.

Menstruation usually begins between the ages of 11 and 14 and continues until menopause, typically around age 51. While the average cycle lasts about 28 days, it can range from 21 to 35 days, and periods usually last three to five days.

Periods are considered irregular if the time between them is shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days. Irregular periods are common during puberty and perimenopause, but other factors like stress, a sedentary lifestyle, PCOD, certain medications, and pregnancy can also lead to delays.

Know more about your monthly cycle, its delays, possible reasons for delays, and how to get periods immediately if delayed.

Causes of Irregular Periods

There are several reasons why your periods may be delayed:

1. Stress: High-stress levels can affect hormone balance and delay your period.
2. Weight changes: Significant weight loss or gain can disrupt your monthly cycle.
3. Exercise: Excessive physical activity can also lead to irregular periods.
4. Hormonal imbalances: An excess of the hormones progestin or estrogen, which control the uterine lining, can cause heavy bleeding. Hormone imbalances are most common in individuals who have recently begun menstruating or are nearing menopause.
5. Illness: Acute or chronic illnesses such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), endometriosis, blood disorders, and benign tumours and cancers can possibly cause menstrual irregularity.
6. Medications: Certain medicines, including birth control, can also alter your cycle.
7. Pregnancy: A missed period can also be the first sign of pregnancy.
8. Polycystic ovary syndrome: PCOS is a disorder that causes hormonal imbalances and upsets the regular menstrual cycle, making it irregular. 
9. Thyroid conditions: Thyroid complications may also lead to an imbalance of reproductive hormones, which affects the menstrual cycle. The segments of the flow can be heavier or lighter than usual.
10. Hyperprolactinemia: A high level of prolactin, a lactogenic hormone, can also inhibit the usual production of hormones necessary for regular menstrual cycles.
11. Ovarian insufficiency: This disorder is characterised by the inability of the ovaries to work appropriately before the age of 40. Low estrogen levels in the body cause irregular or absent periods.

Natural Ways to Induce Your Period

Many approaches can help regularise the menstrual cycle. Diet, exercise, and reducing stress, in combination with medicines, are the most effective ways to induce periods. If your periods are delayed, you must consult your healthcare provider to rule out a pregnancy. 

1) Exercise

Gentle exercise can relax the muscles and help induce a period, though the evidence is primarily anecdotal. For those with irregular periods due to intense workout routines, moderating exercise can help restore hormonal balance and regular menstrual cycles.

2) Relaxation

High stress levels are linked to menstrual irregularities. Reducing stress through relaxation techniques like gentle yoga, journaling, meditation, and spending time with loved ones may help relieve stress if it is causing delays or absences.

3) Orgasm

Sex and orgasms can help bring on a period. The hormonal changes and uterine contractions during orgasm can aid in dilating the cervix and initiating the shedding of the uterine lining.

4) Diet and Weight

Body weight significantly affects menstrual cycles. Low body fat can stop periods due to insufficient hormone production, while high body weight or sudden weight changes can cause irregular cycles. Maintaining a balanced diet and stable weight can help regulate periods.

5) Warm Compress or Bath

A warm compress or bath can relax the pelvic muscles and increase blood flow, which might help induce a period.

6) Certain Foods

Foods like pineapple, dates, ginger, papaya, vitamin C-rich items, and herbs like chamomile, parsley, cinnamon, rosemary, sage, and oregano, are believed to help induce periods naturally. These foods may stimulate blood flow or influence hormonal activity.

Also Read- Things to Keep in Mind while Pregnant

Foods That May Help Induce Periods Quickly

Irregular or delayed periods can be a source of concern for many women. Fortunately, certain foods are believed to promote menstrual flow due to their natural properties. Below is a list of foods that may help stimulate your periods. Always consult your healthcare provider for persistent irregularities.

1. Papaya

Some cultures believe that papaya’s heat-causing ability causes the uterine lining to shed and induces menstruation. However, no scientific study proves this.

2. Turmeric

Turmeric has warming properties and is known to balance hormones, thereby causing periods. A warm glass of turmeric milk can help improve blood flow and induce menstruation naturally. There is limited scientific evidence to prove this effect.

3. Ginger

Ginger is a potent emmenagogue that promotes uterine contractions. Drinking ginger tea or consuming it raw with honey can help stimulate your periods.

4. Parsley

Rich in vitamin C and apiol, parsley can regulate menstrual cycles. A cup of parsley tea can be an effective remedy for delayed periods.

5. Pineapple

Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that softens the uterine lining and helps induce menstruation. Regular consumption of fresh pineapple or juice can aid in menstrual regulation.

6. Vitamin C Foods

Foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, lemons, and guavas, are believed to increase estrogen levels, which helps trigger periods. Fresh fruit juices are an easy way to incorporate them.

7. Fenugreek

Fenugreek seeds are known for their ability to balance hormones. Drinking fenugreek tea or soaking the seeds overnight and consuming them may help in inducing periods.

8. Dates

Dates generate heat in the body, which can stimulate menstrual flow. They are a nutritious and natural way to address irregular cycles.

9. Celery

Celery is a natural emmenagogue that helps improve blood circulation to the pelvic area. Drinking fresh celery juice can assist in inducing periods.

10. Carom Seeds

Carom seeds (ajwain) have warming properties that can help stimulate menstruation. Boil carom seeds in water and drink the strained liquid for best results.

11. Pomegranate

Pomegranate is rich in antioxidants and promotes blood flow to the uterus. Consuming its juice regularly may help regulate your periods.

12. Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds are loaded with healthy fats that help regulate hormones. Eating a handful of roasted sesame seeds or mixing them with jaggery can promote menstrual flow.

13. Coriander

Coriander seeds are a natural remedy for irregular periods due to their emmenagogue properties. Drinking coriander seed tea may help induce menstruation.

Medical Approaches for Inducing a Period

While natural ways to induce periods might work, medical ways are surefire ways to regulate your menstrual cycle. Here are 2 ways to prevent pregnancy and induce periods:

1. Hormonal Birth Control

Hormonal birth control methods work by influencing the menstrual cycle and preventing pregnancy by changing the levels of reproductive hormones in the body. Hormonal contraception methods like patches, implants, injections, and hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) are very effective at preventing pregnancy if used correctly. Here’s how they work:

• They release synthetic hormones, like estrogen and progestin, that prevent the release of an egg from the ovaries. 
• They also thicken cervical mucus to block sperm and thin the uterine lining, making it less receptive to a fertilised egg. 

In addition to preventing a pregnancy, hormonal birth control methods also regularise periods, make them lighter, and reduce pain to a greater extent.

2. Oral Contraceptive Pills

Oral Contraceptive pills are a reliable way to control the menstrual cycle. The combination pill, which has both estrogen and progestin, is the most effective method for managing periods. Typically, people take the hormonal pills for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break or dummy pill, during which they have their period. You can also stop taking the hormonal pill early to make your period come sooner. However, not following the prescribed schedule for birth control pills can make them less effective at preventing pregnancy.

Potential Risks and Safety Precautions

Most methods discussed above to induce periods are safe. If you are using herbal supplements, use them with caution. The FDA does not regulate herbal supplements, so buy them from reputable sources to ensure quality and safety.

Avoid them if you have known allergies to herbs, foods, or supplements. Other precautions to follow while taking treatments to induce periods are as follows:

• Side Effects: Medications used to induce periods, such as hormonal pills, can cause side effects like nausea, vaginal bleeding, headaches, and mood swings.
• Hormonal Imbalance: Overuse or misuse of hormonal medications can disrupt your natural hormone balance.
• Serious Health Risks: In rare cases, hormonal medications can increase the risk of blood clots, strokes, or heart attacks, especially in smokers or those over 35.
• Underlying Conditions: If your periods are irregular, it’s essential to consult a doctor to rule out any underlying conditions before trying to induce them naturally. The birth control pill may not be safe for patients with untreated high blood pressure who have a history of heart disease, migraines, or a history of breast or endometrial cancer.

Discuss your medical conditions with a doctor to ensure the use of birth control pills. Always consult a doctor before taking any medication, especially if you are trying to conceive.

Yoga for Inducing Periods

Yoga can be a helpful practice for women to regulate their menstrual cycles and relieve discomfort. Certain poses stimulate blood flow to the pelvic region, balance hormones, and promote relaxation. Here are some effective yoga poses that can assist in inducing periods naturally:

1. Bow Pose or Dhanurasana

The Bow Pose stimulates the reproductive organs and promotes healthy blood circulation. Bending the body backwards and lifting the chest, it can help balance hormones and regulate menstrual cycles.

2. Camel Pose or Ustrasana

The Camel Pose stretches the front of the body, including the abdomen, helping to stimulate the digestive and reproductive systems. This pose can improve blood flow to the pelvic area and encourage menstrual flow.

3. Bhujangasana or Cobra Pose

Cobra Pose is a backbend that opens the chest and stimulates the abdominal organs. It helps enhance blood circulation and may ease menstrual cramps by relaxing the muscles around the pelvic region.

4. Baddha Konasana or Butterfly Pose

The Butterfly Pose involves seated leg movements that gently stretch the inner thighs and groin. This pose can enhance flexibility and increase blood flow to the pelvic area, aiding in menstrual cycle regulation.

Exercises to Induce Periods

Certain exercises can help stimulate the body and encourage menstrual flow by improving circulation, relieving stress, and promoting hormonal balance. Incorporating these exercises into your routine may assist in regulating your menstrual cycle naturally and easing discomfort associated with delayed periods.

1. Squats

Squats are an excellent way to strengthen the lower body and stimulate the pelvic area. By increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs, squats can help regulate menstruation and improve overall hormonal health.

2. Sit-ups

Sit-ups engage the core muscles, stimulating the abdominal area. This movement can improve uterine blood circulation and promote a healthy menstrual cycle. Regular practice may help induce periods and alleviate cramps.

3. Abdominal Twists

Abdominal twists involve rotating the torso, which helps to improve digestion and blood flow to the pelvic area. This exercise can relieve stress and tension, potentially aiding in the induction of periods.

4. Scissors

Scissors target the abdominal and lower body muscles. . Alternating leg movements promote circulation and engage the pelvic region, which may help balance hormones and stimulate the onset of periods.

When Should You Consult a Doctor?

Seek the help of a doctor if: 

• Your period is consistently irregular
• You miss three periods in a row without being pregnant
• Your periods stop before 45, or 
• If you bleed between periods, after sex, or if you have any bleeding after menopause

A typical menstrual cycle begins between ages 11 and 14 and continues until menopause, around age 51. While the average cycle lasts 28 days, anything between 21 and 35 days is considered normal. Periods lasting three to five days are common, and cycles shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 may be considered irregular.

If your period is delayed, natural methods like stress management, gentle exercise, warm baths, or even sexual arousal may help stimulate blood flow and induce it. In some cases, a consultation with a healthcare provider is required, who may recommend hormonal birth control to regulate your cycle. Always consult your doctor before trying any intervention, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medication.

Expert Quote:

“Most women experience a delayed period atleast once during their lifetime. While certain home remedies and lifestyle adjustments—like regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management—may help regulate your cycle, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare provider if your period delays are frequent or prolonged.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)