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Sunday 20 March 2022

can ginger stop periods?

 Can ginger stop periods?



Over half of women who menstruate experience period pain (dysmenorrhea) for one to two days every month. Even though period pain can mean headaches or general discomfort, the pain is typically caused by menstrual cramps.


Menstrual cramps occur when your uterus contracts to shed the uterine lining. This can cause pain in your stomach, lower back, groin or upper thighs. Previously, we talked about when it makes sense to see a doctor for menstrual cramps. Here, we talk about what might be causing your period pain and provide 13 home remedies you can try to stop it.


What causes period pain?

If you experience chronic painful periods, it’s only natural to wonder why. Maybe you’re the only woman in your family who gets severe cramps. Maybe your painful periods didn’t start until your twenties. Whatever your situation, a doctor can help you understand why you get painful cramps every month. Some of the most common causes of painful periods are:


PMS

Also known as premenstrual syndrome, PMS affects 90 percent of menstruating women. PMS starts a few days before your period begins and continues into the first day or two of menstruation. Doctors think PMS is caused by estrogen and progesterone levels dipping before the beginning of each period. PMS has many symptoms including fatigue, irritability and menstrual cramps.


PMDD

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a more severe form of PMS that affects about five percent of menstruating women. Doctors aren’t sure what causes PMDD, but women with high levels of stress, depression, or a family history of depression are more likely to experience it. Symptoms of PMDD are similar to PMS but more intense, including more painful cramps.


Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are benign growths that may develop in the uterine lining. They can be so small that it’s impossible to see them with the naked eye, or big enough to change the shape of your uterus. They usually appear during childbearing years and often shrink or go away completely after menopause.


Doctors can’t be sure who’ll develop uterine fibroids, but certain factors can increase one’s risk. These include age, African American ancestry, having a family history of fibroids and being overweight.


Since fibroids grow in the uterine lining, they can cause heavy periods and painful menstrual cramps.


Ovarian cysts

A cyst is a usually harmless sac of fluid that forms in or on your body. Ovarian cysts develop in the ovaries, typically during ovulation. Many women develop at least one small cyst every month that naturally fades. However, some women have multiple or large ovarian cysts which can cause pain or complications. In these cases, medical treatment might be needed to manage the cysts. Ovarian cysts can also be caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This is a condition where a hormone imbalance causes many small, harmless cysts to grow in the ovaries. This can cause painful periods, difficulty getting pregnant, insulin resistance and other health concerns. Symptoms of PCOS include irregular periods, excess hair on the face and body, weight gain, difficulty losing weight, acne and thinning hair on the head. A doctor can prescribe treatments that help manage PCOS symptoms.


Pelvic inflammatory disease

When the uterus and ovaries become infected, this is called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). The infection usually begins when bacteria from a sexually transmitted infection (STI) makes its way to the reproductive organs. PID can also occur following a surgical procedure. While many women experience no symptoms of PID, for some it can cause painful cramps.


Endometriosis

The uterine lining, also known as the endometrium, grows inside the uterus. But if you have endometriosis, your endometrium grows outside the uterus, usually in other parts of your reproductive organs like the ovaries or fallopian tubes. When your body tries to shed uterine tissue during your period, the endometrium growing outside the uterus has nowhere to go. It can become trapped in the body. This can cause painful cramps, heavy bleeding, irritation and inflammation. Luckily, most cases of endometriosis can be well managed with medicines and procedures.


Adenomyosis

This is a treatable condition where the endometrium grows into the muscle wall of the uterus. The endometrium can affect the entire uterus muscle, but it usually affects one spot. Adenomyosis is a benign condition, but it can cause severe cramps. Doctors aren’t sure exactly what causes adenomyosis, but women who’ve had children or undergone uterine surgery have a higher risk of developing it.


How to stop period cramps

Dealing with cramps every month can be as frustrating as it is painful. Luckily, there are a many remedies that might help you relieve period cramps. It’s important to remember that these techniques won’t always work, especially for chronic conditions, but they can offer relief for mild to moderate period pain.


1. Drink more water

Bloating can cause discomfort and make menstrual cramps worse. Drinking water can reduce bloating during your period and alleviate some of the pain it causes. Also, drinking hot water can increase blood flow throughout your body and relax your muscles. This can lessen cramps caused by uterine contractions.

Interesting Ginger Helps To Stop Period- How To Use- How Often- Caution



2. Enjoy herbal teas

Herbal teas have anti-inflammatory properties and antispasmodic compounds that can reduce the muscle spasms in the uterus that cause cramping. Drinking chamomile, fennel or ginger tea is an easy, natural way to relieve menstrual cramps. Plus, herbal teas can have other benefits like stress relief and helping with insomnia.


3. Eat anti-inflammatory foods

Some foods can offer natural relief for cramps and they taste great. Anti-inflammatory foods can help promote blood flow and relax your uterus. Try eating berries, tomatoes, pineapples and spices like turmeric, ginger or garlic. Leafy green vegetables, almonds, walnuts and fatty fish, like salmon, can also help reduce inflammation.


4. Skip the treats

While a brownie or french fries might sound delicious, foods high in sugar, trans fat and salt can cause bloating and inflammation, which makes muscle pain and cramps worse. Grab a banana or another piece of fruit to fight sugar cravings, or go for unsalted nuts if you want something more savory.


5. Reach for decaf

Caffeine causes your blood vessels to narrow. This can constrict your uterus, making cramps more painful. If you need your coffee fix, switch to decaf during your period. If you rely on caffeine to beat the afternoon slump, eat a snack high in protein or take a quick 10-minute walk to boost your energy.


6. Try dietary supplements

Vitamin D can help your body absorb calcium and reduce inflammation. Other supplements, including omega-3, vitamin E and magnesium, can help reduce inflammation and might even make your periods less painful. For best results, take supplements every day, not just during your period. Also, because some supplements interact with medications, be sure to ask your doctor before taking anything new.


7. Apply heat

A little heat can help your muscles relax, improve blood flow and relieve tension. Try sitting with a heating pad, taking a hot shower or relaxing in a hot bath.


8. Exercise

If you’re in pain, exercise might be the last thing on your mind. But even gentle exercise releases endorphins that make you feel happy, reduce pain and relax your muscles. Fifteen minutes of yoga, light stretching or walking might be all you need to feel better.


9. Reduce stress

Stress may make cramps worse. Use stress relief techniques like meditation, deep breathing, yoga or your own favorite way to relieve stress. If you’re not sure how to relieve stress, try guided imagery. Simply close your eyes, take a deep breath and imagine a calm, safe place that’s significant to you. Stay focused on this space for at least a few minutes while you take slow, deep breaths.


10. Try massage therapy

One study found that massage therapy significantly reduced menstrual pain in women with endometriosis. Massages may reduce uterine spasms by relaxing the uterus. In order to most effectively manage period cramps, massage therapy should focus on the abdominal area. But a full body massage that reduces your overall stress may also help to relieve menstrual cramps.


11. Take over-the-counter (OTC) medicines

The hormone prostaglandin can cause muscle contractions and pain. Anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen can provide fast-acting relief by reducing the amount of prostaglandins in your body. For best results, only take OTC medicines when you start to feel cramps.


12. Try alternative medicine

Some people find relief with alternative medicine practices like acupuncture and acupressure. Acupuncture is a practice that stimulates the body by placing needles in the skin. Acupressure stimulates the body without needles by putting pressure on certain points of the body. These practices can help you relax, release muscle tension and improve blood flow throughout your body.


13. Start hormonal birth control

Birth control can stop period pain if cramps are caused by a hormone imbalance. Balancing your levels of estrogen and progesterone helps thin the uterine lining so it sheds more easily. Hormonal birth control also regulates the length and frequency of your period. Some forms of birth control can completely alleviate period cramps by stopping your period altogether. Talk to your OB-GYN about birth control options, including the pill, birth control shot or hormonal IUD. Then, you’ll be able to choose the type of birth control that works best for you.


If you’ve tried all the treatments on this list and still have painful periods, or you want to know up front which option(s) will work best for you, talk to your primary care doctor or OB-GYN. At HealthPartners and Park Nicollet, our women’s health doctors can prescribe stronger treatments for menstrual cramps. A little help from a doctor might be the best way to stop dreading your periods.

Is it good to eat garlic and ginger when you have an infection?

Garlic is a very healthy food. It contains about 2% of volatile allicin. Allicin has a broad-spectrum antibacterial effect.

Allicin can be anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, inhibit the growth of various bacteria and viruses, and effectively enhance the body's immunity and resistance.

The World Health Organization recommends eating 2 to 5 grams of raw garlic every day, that is, about 1 to 2 garlic cloves. Some experts believe that eating raw garlic can avoid the risk of various diseases.

Can eating garlic help with periods?

I can only say anecdotally that my late wife and I ate garlic in several different foods, on a regular. We also consumed Korean food on a regular basis, which also had garlic in many of the dishes, including kimchi. We used fresh, and chopped or minced in a jar. We probably ate quite a bit more than average. Given that consumption, she still had problems with excess cramping, heavy flows occasionally, and a couple of times a year she turned into the Wicked Witch of the West during PMS. So as far as garlic being some kind of panacea for problems caused by monthly periods, I can say I never saw it help. Even when we were in my first military tour in Germany, and we didn't consume much garlic at all, nothing changed. Her problems were pretty much the same no matter what our diet. She got more visible relief from ibuprofen and a heating pad on her abdomen.

No, there are no foods that can stop you from ovulating and having your menstrual period.


If you want to safely stop ovulating and stop having your menstrual periods, you can phone your gynecologist for an appointment to discuss the various types of hormone-based birth control or contraception that will do that.

How to stop ur periods immediately without spending a lot of money



“The Pill” can stop your periods if you take the active pill everyday, skipping the “place-holder” pills. There are also hormone injections that you take every three months or so, or implants that slowly release the hormone, that also need topping off every three months or so, that prevent ovulation. I’m pretty sure that hormone-based IUDs stop your periods as well, but ask your gynecologist to make sure.


Hormone-based contraception stops you from ovulating.


No egg released=no period.


I also suggest that you read about the various forms of contraception or birth control at the Planned Parenthood website; then if you have questions, you’ll be able to ask your gynecologist to answer your questions in person.

Ginger is immensely beneficial to women across the childbearing spectrum—from pre-conception to pregnancy, through the postpartum period and into motherhood. This strong and spicy root, used for centuries in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, is often thought of in relation to relieving nausea and aiding digestion, but we can also think of ginger as one of the key ways to create warmth in the body, which stimulates and circulates the blood flow.


Notice when you next get your period the quality and texture of the blood flow after eating ginger. You might notice that the blood is thinner and runs out quicker. In fact, menstruation is one of the most potent indicators of how our body is doing. Periods are wonderfully full of signs! When you wear a pad, you get to see the blood, you get to know it. If there are blood clots, it can be an indicator that the body needs more water or broth, or you are drinking too many cold drinks and stagnating the blood flow. Many of us habitually disassociate with our blood flow, and for ease, put a tampon in and try to ignore it. But menstruating is like reading tea leaves— its one of the gifts that our female body gives us to know ourselves more. 


As ginger perpetuates and stimulates the blood, it similarly initiates the flow of breastmilk. We don’t need that much ginger: a few slices brewed into a hot or warm cup of tea with some lemon, or a knob into a room-temperature smoothie will produce the heat we need inside to generate the blood flow. Ginger is also wonderful in combination with black vinegar, which not only is great for producing heat and circulation, but is an antiseptic— try simmering a pot of black vinegar on the stove top when someone in the house is sick to cleanse the air. More to come on healing vinegars in the next post. 

This menstrual hygiene day, we give a few easy, natural ways that will come in handy every month when things don’t go quite right.

Because it’s something that happens every month, it makes sense if all women have a few do-it-yourself tips and tricks up their sleeve to get through their periods smoothly.(Shutterstock)

Because it’s something that happens every month, it makes sense if all women have a few do-it-yourself tips and tricks up their sleeve to get through their periods smoothly.(Shutterstock)

Updated on May 29, 2016 12:27 PM IST

Hindustan Times | ByTarunima Panwar, New Delhi

For girls who aren’t lucky enough to easily glide through their periods, it becomes very important to look at ways to cope with it and reduce those soul-crushing menstrual cramps.



Because it’s something that happens every month, it makes sense if all women have a few do-it-yourself tips and tricks up their sleeve to get through those days. So this menstrual hygiene day, we give a few easy, natural ways that will come in handy every month when things don’t go quite right.


Drink tea (with low levels of caffeine)


The heat from tea serves up some much needed comfort to distressed muscles. (Shutterstock)

The heat from tea serves up some much needed comfort to distressed muscles. (Shutterstock)


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Dr Rima Chatterjee of Pearl Clinic, Kolkata, advises drinking at least one cup of tea. “The heat from the tea serves up some much needed comfort to your distressed muscles,”adds Chatterjee.


Chamomile teas, ginger tea, peppermint tea, lavender tea, green tea, lemongrass tea, cardamom tea, are some of the herbal teas. Herbal teas can provide you with some much-needed freshness relieve you from the fatigue and also help decrease the amount of pain you experience. (Our personal favorite would be ginger tea.)


Have lots of water

How To Deal With Prolonged Periods



Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. (Shutterstock)

Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. (Shutterstock)

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Try to drink 6-8 glasses of water every day. In addition to making you feel better, this will also improve your overall health, especially during that time of the month.


Dr Hitesh Sharma of Health Centre, Mumbai, says that, “Drinking adequate water is relevant for your body and during your periods your body needs a lot more water. So maintain a stable intake of water.”


Make ginger your BFF


Ginger helps fight fatigue associated with premenstrual syndrome and can make irregular periods regular. (Shutterstock)

Ginger helps fight fatigue associated with premenstrual syndrome and can make irregular periods regular. (Shutterstock)


Ginger is a wonder herb that can effectively ease menstrual cramps. This herb plays a key role in lowering the levels of the pain-causing prostaglandins. It also helps fight fatigue associated with premenstrual syndrome and can make irregular periods regular.


Dr Chatterjee suggests this recipe for relief: Grate a small piece of ginger and boil it in a cup of water for five minutes. Strain it and add a little honey and lemon juice.


“Drink this tea three times a day during your menstrual cycle. You will feel much better,” she adds.


Heat relieves pain


You can buy heat pads online. (Shutterstock)

You can buy heat pads online. (Shutterstock)


A hot water bag is one of the easiest and the most relaxing remedies that you can put to use. Its heat helps you relax the contracting muscles in your uterus, which is the cause for your pain. Similarly you can use heat pads that are available online.


Say no to coffee


Coffee is a well-known vasoconstrictor — it makes blood vessels constrict. (Shutterstock)

Coffee is a well-known vasoconstrictor — it makes blood vessels constrict. (Shutterstock)


Period pain can also be alleviated through simple diet changes. Reduce your coffee consumption since coffee is a well-known vasoconstrictor — it makes blood vessels constrict. In fact, it may cause the vessels that feed the uterus to tighten more than they do in non-coffee drinkers. If you’re a die-hard coffee drinker and can’t cut it out entirely, try avoiding it just in the week before your period and see if you notice a change.


Avoid fatty food, have bananas


Fruits like bananas are a rich source of potassium and help ease bowel movements. (Shutterstock)

Fruits like bananas are a rich source of potassium and help ease bowel movements. (Shutterstock)


According to Dr Sharma, fatty foods with high level of salt can impact how bloated you feel and the level of pain that you experience during your periods.


“You should eat fruits like bananas, they are a rich source of potassium and would help ease your bowel movements,” he adds.


Add a lot of iron to your diet like lentils, spinach and legumes to your diet, he adds.


Have an orgasm


Before an orgasm, the uterus is more relaxed, and at the moment of climax, blood flow increases, helping to relieve the cramps, say doctors. (Shutterstock)

Before an orgasm, the uterus is more relaxed, and at the moment of climax, blood flow increases, helping to relieve the cramps, say doctors. (Shutterstock)


This is of the more unconventional options to relieve period pain. But it is definitely effective, since it can help relieve all kinds of pains, including menstrual cramps.


“Before an orgasm, the uterus is more relaxed, and at the moment of climax, blood flow increases, helping to relieve the cramps,” Dr Chatterjee says.


According to a study conducted by sexologist Beverly Whipple, professor at Rutgers University, orgasms relieve the pain through the release of endorphins, which help you feel better, instantly. They also help relax your whole body and induce sleep so you won’t feel any cramping at all.


Try it and you won’t be disappointed.


Try these simple cinnamon-infused recipes


Cinnamon is an excellent source of dietary fibre, calcium, iron and manganese. (Shutterstock)

Cinnamon is an excellent source of dietary fibre, calcium, iron and manganese. (Shutterstock)


Cinnamon has antispasmodic, anti-clotting and anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve menstrual pain. Plus, cinnamon is an excellent source of dietary fibre, calcium, iron and manganese.


Make cinnamon tea by stirring one-fourth teaspoon of cinnamon powder into a cup of hot water. Let it sit for up to five minutes, add a little honey and then sip it slowly.


Drink two to three cups of cinnamon tea one to two days before your period starts to prevent cramps. Or, add one-half teaspoon of cinnamon powder and one tablespoon of honey to a glass of warm water.


Drink it three times during the first day of your period to relieve pain.

Heavy periods may be a sign of some underlying health condition. You must consult your doctor if you get prolonged or heavy periods or if there is a sudden increase in blood loss during your periods. Quite often, heavy and prolonged periods may be a result of nutritional deficiencies.


There are a few home remedies for a heavy period. However, you should consult with your doctor before trying any of these remedies. Most of these remedies lack medical or scientific evidence.

Heavy bleeding during perimenopause / menopause



Some home remedies for managing prolonged periods include:


Eating foods rich in iron or potassium such as lentils, raisins, or bananas.

Drinking enough water to stay hydrated because menstrual fluid contains both blood and water.

Taking Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) is one of the most common remedies for the treatment of prolonged periods. Although there is no adequate scientific evidence, this herb can stop blood flow. It can regulate any type of bleeding, such as nosebleeds, postpartum hemorrhage (excessive bleeding after childbirth), or menstrual flow. Use a heaping teaspoon of shepherd’s purse per cup of near-boiling water and drink three to four cups daily.

Taking a mixture of boiled coriander seeds and cinnamon may help relieve symptoms.  Take one cup of water and boil it with coriander seeds and cinnamon until it is reduced to half a cup. Add some sugar and drink this concoction twice a day.

Taking a strand of saffron with one teaspoon of honey can be a quick remedy.

Drinking powdered bark of Ashoka tree (Saraca asoca) with a glass of water or milk may reduce heavy bleeding.

Making a paste with tamarind, honey, and water in a blender and drinking it may help. The antioxidants found in tamarind reduce cholesterol levels and treat heavy bleeding.

Taking mustard seed powder, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help. When it is mixed with milk or water, it aids in regulating estrogen levels and keeping hormonal imbalance in check. This helps regulate menstrual flow.

Drinking apple cider vinegar and waterworks as a tonic that removes toxins from the body maintains hormonal balance and treats heavy bleeding with cramps.

Consuming flaxseed tea during menstruation regulates estrogen levels because it has hormone-balancing properties, which reduces blood flow.



What are the treatment options for heavy bleeding?

Your doctor may prescribe some of the following treatments for heavy bleeding.


Medication: Medications are first-line recommended treatments for heavy bleeding.

Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS), Mirena: This is a small plastic device that is placed in the uterus and it slowly releases progestin hormone. It prevents the uterine lining from growing quickly and it is also a type of contraceptive. It has been shown to reduce blood loss by 71 to 96 percent and it is the preferred first choice for treatment. It is usually used for a minimum of 12 months.

Tranexamic acid: These tablets work by helping blood in the uterus to clot. They reduce blood loss by 29 to 58 percent. They are taken three or four times a day for a maximum of three to four days. The lower end of this dosing range will usually be recommended, for example, two tablets three times a day for a maximum of five days. Treatment should be stopped if symptoms have not improved within three months.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs reduce blood loss by 20 to 49 percent. These tablets are taken from the start of the period (or just before) until the bleeding has stopped.

Combined oral contraceptive pills: These pills contain the hormones estrogen and progestin. These are taken beginning on the first day of a woman’s period. One pill is taken every day for 21 days and then no pills are taken for seven days.

Oral norethisterone: This is a type of man-made progestin (one of the female sex hormones). It is another type of medication that can be used for treating heavy bleeding. It is taken in tablet form, two to three times a day, from day 5 to 26 of the menstrual cycle. The first day of your period is counted as day 1. It works by preventing your uterine lining from growing too quickly.

Injected progestin: A type of progestin called medroxyprogesterone acetate is also available as an injection and is sometimes used to treat heavy bleeding. It works by preventing the lining of the womb from growing too quickly and it is a form of contraception. It is injected once every 12 weeks for as long as treatment is required.

Surgery

Uterine artery embolization (UAE): If excessive menstrual bleeding is due to small noncancerous growths called fibroids, then UAE may be done. It is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed through a small tube inserted into the groin. Through this tube, small plastic beads are injected into the arteries supplying blood to the fibroid. This blocks the arteries and causes the fibroid to shrink over the subsequent six months.

Myomectomy: Sometimes, the fibroids can be removed using a surgical procedure known as a myomectomy. However, the operation is not suitable for every type of fibroid.

Endometrial ablation: The womb lining is destroyed.

Hysterectomy: This is the surgical removal of the womb, which may sometimes also involve the removal of the neck of the womb, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

Menstruation or periods are the most essential yet neglected part of a woman’s life. Discussing menstruation can make many women uncomfortable, that a significant chunk of girls is not even aware of menstruation.


When the first time menstruation hits teenage girls, it often leads to confusion and anxiety. It may be due to different biological changes in the body.


Periods are a biological process where bleeding occurs through the vagina. It is a shedding process where the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, sheds itself.


Periods start from the puberty age group and lasts till around 45-50 years of a female’s life. The menstrual cycle for women is 28 days, but this changes for everyone. Periods can be painful for many women with cramps in the abdomen, vomiting, loose motions, leg pains, and weakness.


What are irregular periods? 

A regular menstrual cycle occurs after 28 days to 35 days and lasts for 4-6 days approximately. You may count a period to be irregular if it does not start even after 35 days or occurs with a gap of a different number of days each time. 


What are the symptoms of irregular periods?

The length of the menstrual cycle gets extended for more than 35 days

Missing more than 3 consecutive cycles

Heavy bleeding with clots or spotting 

Abdominal cramps and backache 

What are the causes of irregular periods?

Hormonal imbalance 

Using contraceptive pills 

Obesity

Lifestyle changes – sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy food habits

Stress-induced

Thyroid disorders such as medication, surgery, and radioactive iodine therapy-induced

Polycystic ovarian syndrome 

There are various treatments for irregular periods according to the underlying causes. There are some home remedies that you can try at home to get your cycle back on track. They are as follows –


1: Ginger tea 

Ginger is beneficial for different diseases and symptoms, including irregular periods. Regular consumption of raw ginger can help to regulate your periods. Ginger contains gingerol that helps lower inflammation in the body. It helps in contracting the uterine muscles and facilitates hormonal balance. It standardizes the monthly occurrence of periods. Drinking a glass of hot ginger tea with a bit of lemon juice and a dash of honey, either on an empty stomach in the morning or the evening, promotes metabolism. 


2: Unripe papaya

Unripe papaya is well-known for its action on irregular periods. It enhances your uterine contraction that helps occur during your periods. Consume unripe papaya juice regularly for a few months but do not drink it during your periods.


3: Jaggery 

Jaggery is sweet and has a lot of medicinal properties. Regular consumption of jaggery may help regulate irregular periods. It also helps in reducing uterine cramps.


4: Turmeric 

Turmeric can do anything. It is a magical home remedy that we can use in any condition. Regular consumption of jaggery may help regulate irregular periods. It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties that help in reducing uterine cramps. If you want to prepone your periods naturally, try having turmeric with warm milk and honey. Take it daily till you get your periods. 


5: Aloe Vera 

Aloe Vera juice is an excellent remedy to regulate your menses and reduce excess weight. It also enhances your metabolism and keeps your gut system healthy. Aloe Vera helps to correct your hormonal imbalance and treat your menstrual irregularities. But never use Aloe Vera during periods. It may increase uterine contractions. 


6: Apple cider vinegar 

Consuming apple cider vinegar can help you regularize your periods and hormones in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. You may also lose weight and lower blood sugar and insulin levels. 

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding? Tips to Avoid | Dr. Hansaji Yogendra



Apple cider vinegar is bitter, so you can consume it by mixing it with honey to neutralize the bitter taste.


7: Cinnamon 

Cinnamon is essential in our kitchen as well as in our health. It helps regulate the blood flow to the uterus and may treat irregular periods. It may reduce abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting during periods. 


For best results, add a teaspoon of cinnamon powder to a glass of milk and consume it. 


8: Beetroot 

Consuming beetroot may help deal with irregular period problems and their symptoms. Beetroot contains a high amount of folic acids and iron that help increase haemoglobin level in the blood. It also works as an emmenagogue.


9: Consuming a healthy diet 

Unhealthy eating habit is one of the causes of irregular periods. Eating fast food, processed food, and alcohol may cause a hormonal imbalance in the body that may lead to irregular periods. You should make sure that your diet includes green vegetables, fruits, dry fruits, red meat, fish, and foods that give you complete nutrients regularly.


10: Regular exercise and yoga 

Regular exercise has many benefits, and regularizing periods is one of them. It helps maintain your weight and keep the balance in your hormones. In polycystic ovarian syndrome, a woman may lead to gain unnecessary weight gain that causes hormonal imbalance. Doing regular workouts may solve this problem. 


Yoga also has been beneficial to balance your mind and body. It keeps your body and minds calm. Research suggests that yoga helps reduce menstrual pain and emotional symptoms associated with menstruation, such as depression and anxiety, and improves the quality of life in women with primary dysmenorrhea.


When to Call The Doctor:

While irregular periods are a cause for concern, the condition can be managed effectively with proper home remedies. However, it is sometimes necessary to reach out to a healthcare professional if the symptoms become too severe to manage. Call your doctor if you face any of the following acute symptoms of irregular periods:


You have missed three or more of your periods in the year

Regular periods increase in frequency and you get your periods more often than the regular 21 days

Period frequency period is reduced and you get your periods less often than the normal 35 days

If you experience an unnaturally greater amount of bleeding during your periods

If the period bleeding persists for longer than seven days

If your period pain is more intense or lasts longer than what you normally experience

It is essential to know when to see your doctor for irregular periods. If the home remedies are not sufficient to treat the conditions you experience, reach out to a doctor immediately.

An herb treasured for its warming and pain-relieving properties, ginger (Zingiber officinale) is often said to relieve menstrual cramps and period pain.


Not just a possible solution for menstrual complaints, ginger has also been found to quell post-surgery nausea, relieve osteoarthritis pain, and aid in the prevention of morning sickness.1


ginger root

gerenme/Getty Images 

Why Is Ginger Used for Menstrual Cramps?

Research suggests that compounds found in ginger may help to protect against the increases in inflammation, by inhibiting the body's production of prostaglandins (a class of pro-inflammatory chemicals involved in triggering the muscle contractions that help the uterus shed its lining). Because the onset of menstrual cramps appears to be linked to excessive production of prostaglandins, it's thought that consuming ginger in dietary supplement or tea form can help reduce menstrual pain.1



The Research on Ginger for Menstrual Cramps

Studies published in recent years suggest that ginger may be helpful for relief of dysmenorrhea (the medical term for pain before or during menstruation).


For a report published in Pain Medicine in 2015, for instance, scientists looked at previously published trials testing the effects on ginger in women with dysmenorrhea not caused by pelvic conditions such as endometriosis. In their analysis, the report's authors found that was more effective than a placebo in relieving pain.2



Another report, published in 2016, examined previously published studies on the use of ginger for dysmenorrhea. Ginger was found to be more effective than a placebo in reducing pain severity. Of the two studies comparing ginger to a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), ginger was found to be as effective at reducing pain.3



In addition, there's some evidence that ginger may help control heavy menstrual bleeding. In a clinical trial published in Phytotherapy Research in 2015, for instance, 92 women with heavy menstrual bleeding were treated with either ginger or a placebo for three menstrual periods. At the end of the study, researchers found that levels of menstrual blood loss dramatically declined among study participants who received ginger.4


Side Effects

Ginger may cause a number of mild side effects, including diarrhea and heartburn.


Ginger can act as a blood thinner. If you have a bleeding disorder or are taking medications or supplements that affect the blood, you should speak to your healthcare provider before taking ginger. It shouldn't be used within two weeks of a scheduled surgery.5


The Bottom Line

While it's common to feel some discomfort in your abdomen, back, and thigh area while you're menstruating, if you have pain on a regular basis, it's a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider. In some cases, menstrual pain can signal a condition such as uterine fibroids and endometriosis.6


For menstrual pain that is not caused by an underlying condition, there is evidence that ginger may help to relieve symptoms.3


Self-care strategies such as massaging or applying a heating pad to your lower abdomen, limiting your intake of salt, sugar, alcohol, and caffeine, practicing stress-management techniques, and exercising regularly can help protect against menstrual pain.


In addition, taking dietary supplements containing vitamin B6, calcium, and/or magnesium may help fight menstrual problems. Some research suggests that increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids or using herbs like dong quai and red raspberry leaf may also help soothe menstrual pain to some degree.


For the further relief of menstrual pain, some people find relief using aromatherapy. There's some evidence that massage using a blend of essential oils such as lavender, clary sage, and marjoram may help ease menstrual cramps.7

Ginger Root for Heavy Periods: 3 Ways To Use It Effectively

Need tips on how to stop heavy periods? Ginger is one of the best, scientifically proven heavy period remedies you can use. This post explains the causes and reasons for heavy menstrual bleeding as well as how to lighten heavy periods with ginger. This post also gives tips on essential oils for heavy menstrual bleeding.

Ginger root, obtained from the underground rhizome, or root, of the ginger plant has a long history of use in Asian, Indian and Middle Eastern cultures as a medicine. Ginger root has been used as an anti-inflammatory and an anti-emetic, which means it reduces nausea and vomiting. Ginger, which has been used by some alternative practitioners to decrease heavy menstrual flow, has several effects on menstruation.


12 Reasons Why is My Period Longer Than 10 Days



Prostaglandins

Prostaglandins are hormones released at the time of menstruation to cause the uterus to contract and expel the tissue that makes up the thickened uterine lining. They are responsible for cramping. Women who have more of prostaglandins called PGE2 and PGF2 alpha, which cause inflammation and uterine spasms, often have heavier than normal menstrual periods. This condition is known as menorrhagia.


Ginger's Effects

Ginger may have anti-inflammatory effects similar to ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory medications often used to treat menstrual cramps and heavy menstrual flow. Ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory medications inhibit prostaglandin production. Ginger also inhibits the pathways that lead to prostaglandin production, which reduces the cramping and inflammation related to menorrhagia.


Other Menstrual Effects

Ginger is traditionally used to encourage delayed menstruation, an article in the July 1996 "Vegetarian Times states. In Chinese medicine, a large dose of ginger 5 g is used to start a delayed period. Do not take this dose without your doctor's approval; some scientists have expressed concern that ginger in high doses could cause miscarriage, according to author Judith Benn Hurely.


Considerations

Ginger appears to have properties similar to anti-inflammatory medications, which can decrease heavy menstrual flow. However, ginger, like many herbs, also has blood-thinning properties that could increase bleeding in people who take medications that interfere with blood clotting, such as aspirin, or in women who have underlying bleeding disorders. Talk with your medical practitioner before using ginger to treat menstrual conditions.

Ever had to tie a sweater around your waist to hide blood stains caused by your heavy flow?


Or how about waking up in the middle of the night to discover that your clothes, sheets and mattress are fully stained through?


That was me from my teens through to early adulthood.


If only I’d known back then that I could use something as simple as ginger root for heavy periods!


You see, science is now confirming that ginger is very beneficial for our cycles.


So, in this post you will learn how ginger supports your hormones, as well as how to use ginger to reduce your flow.


Note: this post contains affiliate links and I may earn a commission if you use them.


WHAT CAUSES HEAVY MENSTRUAL BLEEDING?

According to the Mayo Clinic, some common causes of heavy periods include (source):


Fibroids

Drugs (such as anti-inflammatory medication and hormonal medications)

Ovary dysfunction

In addition to all of the above, the Mayo Clinic also states that hormonal imbalances can also contribute to heavy menstrual bleeding.


This particular theory has been backed up by research.


In fact, research shows that women who experience heavy cycles have a higher concentration of hormones called prostaglandins.


So, what are prostaglandins and what do they do?


Prostaglandins are hormones that assist the body in healing from injury or other types of damage (source).


In addition, prostaglandins are also responsible for uterine contractions.


One area where those uterine contractions are necessary is during labor and natural childbirth. Without prostaglandins, that whole process wouldn’t work the way it does!


So, as you can see prostaglandins are necessary for certain processes in the body to work properly.


But here’s the thing…prostaglandins can be both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory (source).


So, what does that mean for you?


Well, when you produce a lot of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins you are more likely to (source):

Why do I have heavy or prolonged menstrual periods and how to treat it? - Dr. Shefali Tyagi



experience dysmenorrhea (i.e. menstrual cramps)

have heavy menstrual cycles

Now, given that heavy periods tend to be accompanied by severe period cramps, there’s reason to believe that pro-inflammatory prostaglandins are a major factor in all of this.


As for the anti-inflammatory prostaglandins…those are friendly prostaglandins that the body uses for healing as I mentioned earlier.


So, in order to reduce period flow and have a more comfortable cycle, it’s important for the body to produce more anti-inflammatory prostaglandins.


HOW GINGER REDUCES HEAVY PERIODS

Now that we’ve seen how hormonal imbalance correlates to a heavy flow, you might be wondering “what’s the benefit of using ginger root for heavy periods?”


Well, one study shows that ginger is very effective at reducing heavy blood loss.


This particular study was conducted with young women who already had a history of heavy menstrual bleeding.


The women were divided into 2 groups: one group received ginger and the other got a placebo.


Blood loss was monitored over the course of 3 menstrual cycles, and the results showed that:


“The level of menstrual blood loss dramatically declined during the three intervention cycles in ginger-receiving group. The decrease of blood loss in ginger-receiving group was significantly more remarkable than that of participants receiving placebo.” (source)


The results of this study are not very surprising when you consider the fact that ginger has been proven to lower prostaglandin production.


And let’s not forget that ginger is also a potent anti-inflammatory food!


By lowering inflammation, there are less proinflammatory prostaglandins to worry about in your body.


Given all these factors, it’s no wonder that the scientists in the heavy periods study concluded that:


“…ginger may be considered as an effective therapeutic option for HMB.” (source)


(HMB = heavy menstrual bleeding).


HOW TO USE GINGER ROOT FOR HEAVY PERIODS

ginger root for heavy periods capsules and fresh root

What causes periods for more than 10 days in a teenager? - Dr. Teena S Thomas



Alrighty, it’s time for us to look at how you can use ginger to alleviate your heavy flow!

There are three options you can use:


Ginger capsules

Ginger tea

Ginger essential oil

1. Ginger Supplement Capsules

In the heavy periods study referenced earlier in this article, the participants took one 250 mg ginger capsule, 3 times a day (source).


They started taking the capsules the day before their period and during the first 3 days of their cycles.


So that’s a total of 4 days during which the women took ginger capsules.


If you’d like to try ginger for yourself, you can start by following the same protocol for yourself.


These organic, ginger capsules are my top recommendation. Just clean, organic ginger and no weird fillers.


Bonus tip: if you’ve got dried ginger in your kitchen, you can also take 1/8 teaspoon, 3 times a day to get the same effect as the capsules (source).


2. Ginger Tea

A warm cup of tea is a relaxing self care gift that you can give yourself every day.


To use ginger tea for heavy menstrual cycles, simply steep ½ teaspoon grated ginger in 8 ounces of hot water for up to 10 minutes.


This method can give you about 250 mg of ginger per cup (source).


Just make sure to drink 3 cups per day in order to match the quantities that were used in the ginger reference study.


Bonus tip: add some lemon and raw honey to the tea for an anti-inflammatory boost. Plus, it also improves the flavor 🙂


3. Ginger Essential Oil

how to use ginger root for heavy periods

Even though I haven’t come across studies about ginger oil and heavy monthly cycles, ginger essential oil does have anti-inflammatory properties.


So, ginger oil can play a beneficial role in reducing overall inflammation.


To get started I recommend using Ancient Apothecary’s ginger oil (you can find it on Amazon).


Ancient Apothecary uses CO2 extraction for their oils, which results in a more “complete” essential oil (basically CO2 extracted oils contain molecules that would normally evaporate if the oil was made through the standard steam distillation method).

What causes mild bleeding after regular cycles? - Dr. Teena S Thomas



To get the maximum anti-inflammatory benefits of ginger oil you can combine it with frankincense and geranium oil. This will give you a powerful massage oil that you can use anytime.


NOTE: use my essential oil dilution guide for tips on how to safely blend oils.


ginger root for heavy periods with lemon

ginger root for heavy periods closeup

CONCLUSION: DOES GINGER CAUSE HEAVY PERIODS OR DOES IT REDUCE MENSTRUAL FLOW?

Even though some people worry that ginger increases menstrual bleeding, studies show quite the opposite: ginger is actually an effective natural home remedy for heavy periods.




So, I hope this post has helped you understand how ginger can help to alleviate heavy menstrual bleeding.


In addition to supporting your hormones with ginger, you can give your body an extra boost by eating a hormone-balancing diet, as well as using hormone-friendly supplements.


For more details, go here for complete guide to putting together a hormone-balancing diet plan that works for you. As a bonus, that article also includes a downloadable shopping list and recipes to get help you get started 🙂


As always, if you have any questions or feedback drop a comment below 🙂

Heavy menstrual bleeding is one of the more common gynecological reasons why women see their healthcare provider. The experience and results of heavy menstrual bleeding can greatly impact quality of life. There can also be blood loss that leads to iron deficiency anemia, which can result in mild to severe fatigue as well as changes in cognition, exercise tolerance, dyspnea and heart palpitations.


In addition to effectively treating this condition, it’s important to determine the underlying cause of the heavy menstrual bleeding (defined as greater than 80 mL per menstrual cycle). Causes of heavy menstrual bleeding can include a simple anovulatory cycle due to stress or perimenopause, thyroid disorders, uterine polyps, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, uterine pre-cancer, uterine cancer and von Willebrand syndrome. While some common herbs and medicines can be used to treat a particular episode of heavy menstrual flow, treating the underlying condition is the key clinical objective.


A wide variety of over-the-counter, prescription and herbal medicines can be used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding. Some of these address the acute episode and others address the desire to control the blood loss for the next cycle. Conventional treatments include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS), oral progestins, oral progesterone, hormonal contraception (oral, transdermal, intravaginal, intra-uterine) and tranexamic acid.


Herbal therapies for acute intervention have included herbal anti-inflammatories, herbal astringents, and herbal coagulants. Ginger has proven to be an excellent herb for dysmenorrhea, morning sickness, and now a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial has shown it can help treat heavy menstrual bleeding as well.


In the most recent study, Iranian high school students had regular menstrual cycles but also had a recent history of at least one heavy menstrual cycle. These girls also had no gynecological disease, were not regularly taking hormonal medications or NSAIDS, did not have a vaginal or pelvic infection and were not overweight or obese. In the end, there were 46 girls in each group. Three consecutive menstrual cycles were monitored and scored for blood loss, before starting the ginger or placebo. Ginger capsules contained 250 mg of dried ginger, and the participants took 1 capsule three times daily or placebo capsule 3 times daily, starting from the day before menstrual bleeding until the third day of the menstrual period, for a total of four consecutive days for the three months of menstrual cycles.


Of the initial 92 participants, 71 completed the trial with 38 in the ginger group and 33 in the placebo group. The level of menstrual blood loss dramatically decreased during the three intervention cycles in the ginger group and was significantly better than in the placebo group. The average decrease in heavy menses in the ginger group started the very first month, and was even better the second month and then a little better the third month. There were no average hemorrhage changes in the placebo group. After the intervention, the ginger group decreased in mean hemorrhage by 46.6% and the placebo group by 2.1%.1 Three girls had adverse events in each group: Ginger: 1 heart burn, 1 abdominal pain, 1 diarrhea; Placebo: 1 abdominal pain, 2 flatulence.


I am not surprised by the positive results in this study. I have been using ginger for acute heavy menses for years, although usually in combination formulas with other herbs. Serum levels of Prostaglandin E2 and Prostacyclin are higher in women with heavy menstrual bleeding, which results in vasodilatation and local platelet accumulation, in addition to lower amounts of prostaglandin F2 alpha which is responsible for vasoconstriction. Women with heavy menstrual bleeding also have more PGE2 receptors. It would be logical then that herbs, foods and/or medications that inhibit prostaglandin synthesis and leukotriene formation may provide the needed anti-inflammatory effect to decrease heavy menstrual blood loss. Other research has documented the anti-inflammatory and prostaglandin inhibitory effects of ginger. Several studies, including a 2015 meta-analysis, have also demonstrated that ginger is effective for acute dysmenorrhea.2 Given that acute dysmenorrhea and heavy menses often occur simultaneously, ginger becomes a leading candidate for this common combination of symptoms. This most recent study combined with ginger’s solid safety profile makes it a first line treatment choice to alleviate pain in our female patients while we work to uncover the underlying cause(s) of this common condition.


Dr. Tori Hudson directs the curriculum for post-graduate training in women's health at the Institute of Women's Health and Integrative Medicine, and is the director of product research and education for VITANICA.  For more information on Dr. Hudson visit http://drtorihudson.com/.

Objective: A wide range of herbal plants have been reported to treat various gynecological problems of women. This study was set out to investigate the effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale) on heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) in high school girls.


Methods: Ninety-two young women who experienced HMB and met the inclusion criteria were recruited in this study. Participants were evaluated for six consecutive menstrual cycles. During 3 assessment cycles, their HMB was confirmed by Pictorial Blood Assessment Chart. They were then randomly allocated to two study groups to receive either ginger or placebo capsules. The participants filled in the same chart during three intervention cycles.


Results: The level of menstrual blood loss dramatically declined during the three intervention cycles in ginger-receiving group. The decrease of blood loss in ginger-receiving group was significantly more remarkable than that of participants receiving placebo (p<0.001). Minimum number of participants reported adverse effects.


Conclusion: HMB is highly prevalent among young women. Considering the significance of appropriate and timely treatment and also the importance of prevention of unwanted consequences, ginger may be considered as an effective therapeutic option for HMB.


Keywords: Ginger; heavy menstrual bleeding; herbal medicine.

Ask any woman about what’s the most irritating thing about periods and the answer would be PMS. The simple abbreviation doesn’t even begin to capture the magnitude of what women go through. From mood swings to pain, PMS is not easy to deal with.


Home Remedies To Stop Your Periods Naturally - Health and Beauty Tips



If you’re a woman who has tried all sorts of hacks to ease the discomfort caused by PMS but haven’t found the perfect solution to it, we say you sip on some ginger tea. This isn’t just another period hack, but a remedy that is backed by science.


Also, read: Crazy PMS symptom or something else? Take this quiz to find out


Here are three ways in which ginger can help you deal with PMS:


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1. Ginger has natural pain inhibiting properties

Ginger has been known for its anti-inflammatory properties but not many know that it can also be great for relieving pain. Given that ginger is available abundantly all across the country, it makes for a practical solution to treating menstrual cramps.



Ginger contains an enzyme called zingibain which protects your body from inflammation. Zingibain helps in inhibiting the production of a pro-inflammatory chemical called prostaglandins. This is the same chemical that is responsible for the contraction of your uterus. Naturally, higher levels of prostaglandins cause more severe contractions which leads to debilitating cramps.


period crampsThose raging period cramps can be done away with drinking ginger tea. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

A study published in the journal Pain Medicine observed that ginger was effective in treating menstrual cramps. So, go brew that ginger tea!


2. It can help with headaches and nausea

Women in their luteal phase generally go through headaches. A study published in International Scholarly Research Notices noted that women reported significant relief in headaches after the consumption of ginger.



Ginger can also help with nausea and an upset stomach. During the same study, researchers found that women who consumed ginger experienced lesser instances gastrointestinal disturbances and nausea.


3. It can help with the flow

If you are someone who deals with a heavy menstrual flow, ginger can help you manage it. A study published in Phytotherapy Research found that the regular consumption of ginger for three months can result in reduced bleeding.


Clearly, ginger tea can be extremely helpful when it comes to dealing with PMS. The best part is that you can prepare it right at home!


superfoodsA cup of steaming hot ginger tea is what you need! Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Here’s how you can make ginger tea



1. Crush a 2- to 3-inch piece of ginger and add it to a litre of water. Boil this mixture

2. Let it simmer till the quantity has reduced to half

3. Add honey or lemon juice

4. Strain this tea and store it in a flask

5. You can drink this twice or thrice a day in small quantities


If you’re too troubled by PMS, give ginger a try!

90% of women experience painful period cramps (also called dysmenorrhea) in their lower abdomen area when on periods. Sometimes, it’s impossible to do the smallest of the activity. Here is an ultimate home remedy that can change your life — ginger for menstrual cramps.


A study found that ginger for period pain is one of the most beneficial things; it can be as effective as ibuprofen and other over-the-counter medicine in relieving menstrual cramps.


During periods, the prostaglandin hormone sets of muscle contracts in the uterus. The contraction causes inflammation and pain. The cramps cause discomfort, and pain often radiates to the lower back, leading to bloating, headaches, nausea, vomiting, or sometimes diarrhea.


Also Read: PCOS and Periods


Can You Use Ginger for Periods?

Yes, ginger does help with period cramps.


If you have tried various hacks to ease period cramps but haven’t found the ultimate solution yet, we may have a perfect solution— try ginger tea during period. Consuming ginger tea for menstrual cramps also eases the other irritable periods.

STOP Heavy Periods NOW | How to Get Rid of Heavy Menstrual Cycle, Heavy Bleeding & Heavy Clotting



If you wish to try some ginger tea alternates, then ginger water for periods also tastes good; other than that, ginger and honey for periods provide effective natural pain relief.


Recent studies have shown that consuming ginger during periods can reduce pain.


Ginger Benefits For Periods

Ginger is one of the most common herbs found in Indian households. It has been used to ease menstrual pain for years. Ginger has a compound called gingerol, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties aiding cramps and boosting energy in the body.



PCOS Balance Capsules

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Benefits of Using Ginger Tea for Periods:

The natural heat in ginger tea provides much-needed comfort to the uterus’ stressed muscles. Ginger also provides freshness, relief from bloating or fatigue and reduces cramps.


Other Benefits: Ginger for Irregular Periods

Also known as Emmenagogue, ginger is an effective remedy that also benefits irregular periods caused by hormonal imbalance. You can try adding grated ginger to your food to induce periods.


Also Read: Everyday Foods that Induce Periods


How to Use Ginger for Periods?

About 3-4 grams of the ginger extract is recommended per day. More than that can irritate the stomach. Ginger for periods can be used in many ways — ginger tea, ginger water, or ginger in lukewarm honey water.


Ginger Recipe for Periods:

1. Ginger Tea

How to make ginger tea for periods? - Boil milk with grated ginger, tea leaf, sugar for a couple of minutes. Strain the content and have a fresh ginger brew tea. You can drink ginger tea one cup every evening.


Also Read: Benefits of Cinnamon During Periods


2. Ginger Water

If you do not wish to have anything fancy for irregular periods, boil a few ginger slices in one glass of water and have it any time of the day or after every meal.


3. Ginger Water with Honey

A dash of ginger with honey in lukewarm water makes the taste sweeter. Have one cup early in the morning empty stomach; it can work wonders.


4. Parsley and Ginger Tea

A combination of parsley and ginger tea is recommended for delayed periods. Parsley is also known to induce menstruation. Add some chopped parsley and ginger to two-three cups of water, let it simmer. Strain the tea and add some seasoning like black salt, and there you have it.


5. Turmeric and Ginger

As both turmeric and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties, having turmeric ginger tea for menstruation can ease chronic menstrual cramps. Boil both the ingredients with water, and consume when cramps get unbearable.


6. Ginger Juice

Ginger Juice for Periods also holds equal benefits, a little too strong for the stomach, so advisable to drink in a bit of quantity. Mix ginger paste and mint to boiling water, let it cool down, and then enjoy.


Also Read: Sesame Seeds and Periods



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Are There Any Side Effects of Ginger for Periods?

Ginger is likely safe when taken in adequate amounts. However, sometimes ginger can cause mild side effects such as burping, stomach discomfort, heartburn, gas, etc. Do keep a check on health effects and dosage while consuming ginger during periods.


Precautions

Ginger might trigger heavy bleeding in some women. Stop consuming ginger in case of heavy bleeding. Further, pregnant ladies should not consume more than one gram of ginger extract per day.


Also Read: Blood Clots during Menstruation


Conclusion

Ginger is one of the herbs that has been used in numerous Ayurvedic medicine. Consumption of ginger is highly recommended for easing period cramps. Although in the case of major menstrual pains, it is advised to consult a doctor.

How can I stop my period for a week?

Some people may wish to delay their period to have fewer periods or to avoid bleeding at inconvenient times, such as during an important event or vacation.


Doctors call this practice menstrual manipulation or menstrual suppression. People can choose among several different types of hormonal drugs to delay their period. Some natural products may also affect menstruation.


In this article, we look at how people can delay a period using medical and natural remedies.


Medical remedies

Taking certain hormonal contraceptives may help delay a period.

Doctors can prescribe hormonal contraceptives to delay a person’s period. People can choose from several different hormonal contraceptives. These include:


oral contraceptive pill containing estrogen and progestin (a form of progesterone)

drug-releasing intrauterine device (IUD)

medroxyprogesterone injection

contraceptive patch

contraceptive vaginal ring

etonogestrel contraceptive implant


Do medical remedies work? 

To delay a period, people can use one of the above hormonal contraceptives.


Long acting hormonal contraceptives come with low risks and potential health benefits. Taking oral hormonal contraceptives reduces the risk of:

Treatment of heavy periods | Miss Zoe Woodward, Consultant Gynaecologist



osteoporosis

ovarian cancer

endometrial cancer

benign breast changes

pelvic inflammatory disease

Research suggests that the use of oral contraceptives can help fertility by reducing and delaying cases of endometriosis. Oral contraceptives may also be an effective treatment for acne.


Another benefit of delaying periods is to reduce blood loss in people with bleeding disorders, such as von Willebrand disease.


People with severe intellectual disabilities may benefit from hormonal contraceptives to delay their periods. Some individuals may have behavioral issues or physical disabilities that affect their hygiene practices during menstruation.


Each hormonal contraceptive method works differently to either reduce or prevent a period. Some hormonal contraceptive methods are more effective in delaying a period than others.


Oral contraceptive pills

Some people may be able to extend the time between their periods by skipping the hormone-free week in their pill schedule.


For example, people taking a 28 day pack of hormonal contraceptives can take the first 21 days of hormone pills. They can then start a new pack right away without taking the placebo pills. People can discuss this option with their doctor first to check that it is safe.


Researchers advise taking hormonal pills for no more than 84 days before taking a 7 day break to have a period.


This practice allows the person to bleed four times a year and decreases the risk of hypertrophic endometrium, which is an enlarged uterus.


In some cases, for example, if a person has endometriosis, doctors may prescribe continuous contraceptive pills without any hormone-free time.


The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved only three long-term oral contraceptives. These include:


Seasonale: 84 active hormone pills and seven placebo pills

Seasonique: similar to Seasonale, but instead of placebo pills, it contains seven low dose estrogen pills

Lybrel: entire year’s worth of contraceptive pills without placebo or pill-free week

Intrauterine device (IUD)

Medicated IUDs, such as Mirena, release progestin from a device that a healthcare professional has inserted into the uterus. A Mirena IUD can remain in the uterus for up to 5 years.


About half of people who have a Mirena IUD will no longer get their period within 6 months of using it.


People who cannot tolerate hormones or wish to avoid progestin can choose a copper IUD. However, copper devices may cause more breakthrough bleeding — bleeding or spotting in between periods — than hormone-releasing IUDs.


Medroxyprogesterone injections

People who choose hormonal injections, which include Depo-Provera, will receive one injection every 90 days. After a year, about 73% of women will stop bleeding.


Contraceptive patch

People who use the contraceptive patch, which is available under the brand name Ortho Evra, place a new patch on their skin once a week for 3 weeks. The fourth week is typically hormone-free. People who want to extend their cycle can apply a new patch in the fourth week and avoid the hormone-free week.


A study showed that long-term use of the patch only leads to 12% of women stopping their period. Breakthrough bleeding is common in those who use the patch continuously.


Vaginal ring

People typically place a vaginal ring in the vagina for 3 weeks and then remove it for 1 week.


A vaginal ring works similarly to the contraceptive patch, as it releases hormones daily. People who want to delay their period can skip the hormone-free week and insert a new ring.


One trial compared the effectiveness of regular scheduling of the vaginal ring to extended scheduling. Avoiding the hormone-free week caused fewer days of bleeding, but more breakthrough bleeding.


Etonogestrel implant

Implanon is a progestin-releasing implant that a doctor will insert underneath the skin in the upper arm. The implant can release hormones for up to 3 years. Among the different hormonal contraceptives, Implanon is less successful at delaying periods.


Norethindrone

Norethindrone is a form of progesterone that is effective in delaying a period. One studyTrusted Source compared the effectiveness of norethindrone with that of other oral combined contraceptives in preventing bleeding.


The researchers found that norethindrone may be more effective than oral combined contraceptives in delaying a period when people are in the middle of their menstrual cycle. It also prevents breakthrough bleeding.


People can only take norethindrone temporarily and not as an oral contraceptive. If a person needs further hormonal contraception, doctors will prescribe oral combined contraceptives instead.


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Best Supplements For Heavy Periods - How To Manage Menorrhagia Naturally



Natural remedies 

Some experts believe that certain natural substances, such as apple cider vinegar, may affect a person’s period. However, limited research is available on the effects of apple cider vinegar on menstruation.


One 2013 study looked at the effects of apple cider vinegar on ovulation in seven females. These participants were searching for a treatment for a reproductive disease called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).


People with PCOS can experience anovulation, which means that they do not ovulate. Ovulation and menstruation are two different processes in the cycle. Most people who want to delay their period may only want to avoid the inconvenience of menstruation.


In this study, the researchers found that apple cider vinegar restored ovulation in four out of seven females with PCOS.


Do natural remedies work? 

Limited evidence is available to support the use of natural remedies, such as shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) or yarrow (Achillea millefolium), to delay a period.


Other nonmedicinal factors can also affect a period. Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea is a disorder that affects hormones called gonadotropins, which affect periods. People with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea do not get a period.


Some female athletes experience functional hypothalamic amenorrhea and other menstrual disorders. Approximately 50%Trusted Source of females who regularly exercise experience minor changes in their cycle, and 30% lose their period.


Other factors that can cause functional hypothalamic amenorrhea are stress and weight loss.


Side effects and risks 

A risk of using a hormonal contraceptive method too soon after starting menstruation is the closing of the epiphyses of the bones, which can result in stunted growth. People who start taking hormonal contraceptives shortly after their first period may stop growing in height.


Depending on the type of hormonal contraceptive, some people may experience breakthrough bleeding. Breakthrough bleeding occurs more often when people first start using a hormonal contraceptive. Usually, this side effect decreases over time.


People who choose to use hormonal injections need to see a healthcare professional every 3 months for their doses. Missing an appointment can put a woman at risk of pregnancy if she is also using it as a contraceptive.


Researchers have shown that females who use medroxyprogesterone injections have lower average bone mineral density. This effect has no link with increased fracture risk, though.


People with obesity or appetite control difficulties who receive medroxyprogesterone injections may gain 10–20 kilograms of weight. However, people with a moderate body weight tend not to gain the extra weight.


Doctors typically do not recommend using the contraceptive patch continuously because it may lead to higher levels of estrogen in the blood.



Reasons for delaying a period

Menstruation occurs roughly every 28 daysTrusted Source, but some people can have longer or shorter cycles. Menstrual cycles can range from 21–45 days. Most periods last between 3 and 7 days.


Some reasons why a person may choose to delay a period include:


avoiding bleeding during an important event, such as a wedding, vacation, or sports competition

preventing painful periods or reducing conditions, such as endometriosis or migraine, that worsen with hormonal changes

fewer period-related symptoms

higher productivity due to fewer days absent from school or work

overall greater satisfaction

Researchers estimate that about 2.5 million women between 18 and 50 years of age in the United States experience:


painful periods

excessive menstruation

irregular periods

premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

People may choose to delay their periods to avoid these conditions.


One side effect of delaying a period can be breakthrough bleeding.


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Summary

Many medical treatments are effective in delaying a period, but to date, researchers have found limited evidence to suggest that it is possible to achieve this using natural remedies.


If a person wishes to delay their period, they can choose from a variety of hormonal contraceptives. Doctors can help people choose by discussing the benefits and risks of long-term treatment and the goals of the individual.

What is the medicine to stop periods?

How can I delay my period?

There's no guaranteed way to delay your period, but it may be possible if you take the combined contraceptive pill.

How to Stop your Period Early | Delay your Periods | Home Remedies to Delay Periods Naturally



Taking 2 packets of the combined pill back-to-back

If you take a combined contraceptive pill, you can delay your period by taking 2 packets back-to-back.


How you do this will depend on which pill you take.


Examples are:


monophasic 21-day pills, such as Microgynon and Cilest – you take a combined pill for 21 days, followed by 7 days without pills, when you have a bleed (period). To delay your period, start a new packet of pills straight after you finish the last pill and miss out the 7-day break.

everyday (ED) pills, such as Microgynon ED and Lorynon ED  – you take a combined pill every day. The first 21 pills are active pills and the next 7 pills are inactive or dummy pills, when you have your period. To delay your period, miss out and throw away the dummy pills, and start the active pills in a new packet straight away. 

phasic 21-day pills, such as Binovium, Qlaira and Logynon – the mix of hormones in each pill is different, depending on which phase you're in. You need to take these pills in the correct order to have effective contraception. Ask your pharmacist, community contraception clinic or GP for more information.

Taking your contraceptive pills in the ways described above will not affect how they work as contraceptives.


If you're not sure which pill you're on or which pills in the packet to miss out, speak to your pharmacist, community contraception clinic or GP.


Avoid taking more than 2 packs without a break, unless your GP says you can.


There's a risk you could experience side effects, such as:


feeling sick

being sick

diarrhoea

unexpected vaginal bleeding

Progestogen-only contraceptive pill

If you're taking a progestogen-only contraceptive pill, you cannot delay your period by taking 2 packets back-to-back.


But you may be able to switch to the combined contraceptive pill or take another medication to delay your period.


If you're not sure which type of pill you're taking, speak to your pharmacist, community contraception clinic or GP for advice.


If you do not take a contraceptive pill

See your GP for advice if you want to delay your period and you're not taking the combined contraceptive pill.


They might be able to prescribe medication called norethisterone to delay your period.


Your GP will advise you when to take norethisterone and for how long.


You'll usually be prescribed 3 norethisterone tablets a day, starting 3 to 4 days before you expect your period to begin.


Your period should arrive 2 to 3 days after you stop taking the medication.


But norethisterone does not act as a contraceptive when used in this way, so you could still get pregnant.


You'll need to use another type of contraceptive, such as a condom.


And norethisterone may not be suitable if you have a history of blood clots.


How well it works in delaying periods also varies between women.


Some women taking norethisterone have reported side effects, such as:


breast tenderness

nausea

headache

disturbances in mood and sex drive

Switching to, or starting, the combined contraceptive pill

If you currently use another type of contraception, switching to the combined contraceptive pill will allow you to delay your period.


You may also be able to start taking the combined pill if you do not already use contraception.


But you may need to start taking this pill several weeks before the time when you want to delay your period, and it's not suitable for everyone.


If you're switching to or starting the combined contraceptive pill, you might need to use additional contraception during the first few days of taking it.


Ask your pharmacist, community contraception clinic or GP for more information and advice.

How can I naturally stop my period?

A period is heavy when the bleeding is extensive or it lasts for more than 7 days. Some home remedies can help reduce the bleeding and manage other symptoms. For some people, doctors may recommend medication or surgery.


The medical name for a heavy menstrual flow is menorrhagia. A person with menorrhagia may need to change their pads or tampons every hour for many hours in a row. Blood clots the size of a quarter or larger may regularly appear in the menstrual flow.


Heavy periods can interrupt a person’s life and take a toll on the body. A person may feel very tired and experience continual pain and cramping. In some people, heavy periods lead to too much blood loss and cause anemia.


Anyone with menorrhagia should talk to a doctor to identify any underlying cause.


In addition to working with a doctor, some home remedies and supportive tools can help reduce symptoms and make a heavy period easier to manage.


Lifestyle changes

Use a menstrual cup

A person using a menstrual cup may need to change it less than a pad or tampon.

Menstrual cups are small silicone cups that sit inside the vagina and catch period blood in the vaginal canal. While using a menstrual cup will not reduce the flow, it may help keep trips to the bathroom to a minimum.

How to Stop Periods Permanently (5 Effective Ways)



Menstrual cups typically catch more blood than tampons or pads, so a person may need to empty their cup less often than they would need to change a pad or tampon.


Menstrual cups are available to purchase online.


Try a heating pad

Heating pads can help reduce common period symptoms, such as pain and cramping. This is because the warmth of the heating pad can relax the muscles involved.


Heating pads are also available to purchase online.


Wear period panties to bed

Absorbent underpants, called period panties, catch blood like a pad.


Sleeping in these panties may be more comfortable than sleeping with a pad, and a person may wake up less often during the night.


Period panties are available to purchase online.


Get plenty of rest

The body needs energy to restore the blood that it loses during a heavy menstrual flow. Taking time to rest whenever possible is important, and it can help prevent fatigue.


Exercise

Exercise helps some people deal with menorrhagia. For example, activities such as yoga can help reduce related stress.



Diet and supplements

No research has shown that dietary changes alone can reduce heavy menstrual bleeding or related symptoms, according to the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health CareTrusted Source.


However, staying hydrated and ensuring that there are enough of the following nutrients in the diet may help manage symptoms of a heavy period, especially when a person is also using other remedies and treatments.


Iron

An iron supplement may help a person to have enough red blood cells in the body.

A person with a heavy period is losing a lot of blood, and with it, a lot of iron. The body uses iron to create new blood cells.


Taking an iron supplement can help ensure that there are enough red blood cells in the body. This can help prevent anemia, a condition that involves a lack of red blood cells.


Learn more about anemia here.


It can also help to eat more iron-rich foods, including meats, legumes, and dark leafy vegetables.


Vitamin C

The body does not absorb iron easily, but vitamin C can help.


Taking vitamin C supplements or eating foods rich in vitamin C — such as citrus fruits — along with an iron supplement can help prevent an iron deficiency.


Hydration

A heavy period causes the body to lose a lot of water, as well as blood and iron. Replenishing this water by staying hydrated can support overall health and energy levels.


Herbal remedies

Some early evidence suggests that certain herbal remedies may help with heavy menstrual bleeding.


A review in Phytotherapy ResearchTrusted Source explored the effects of traditional herbal remedies on menorrhagia and noted that some showed promise.


The following may reduce the duration of a period and heavy blood loss:


ginger capsules

myrtle fruit syrup

pomegranate flower capsules

However, more medical evidence is necessary, and the researchers called for further trials to confirm their findings.


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Medications

Doctors recommend medication for many people with heavy menstrual bleeding. Several options can help with pain, cramping, and heavy blood flow:


Ibuprofen (Advil) can reduce pain and sensations of cramping and may also slow bleeding.

Birth control pills can help make periods more regular.

An intrauterine device (IUD) is implanted in the uterus to help control bleeding and prevent pregnancy by releasing medication.

Hormone therapies, including estrogen or progesterone, can help reduce bleeding and regulate menstruation.

Desmopressin nasal spray releases a clotting protein to help prevent blood clots from breaking down, which may reduce bleeding.

Antifibrinolytic medicines, such as tranexamic acid, may also help reduce bleeding by keeping clots from breaking down.

Surgeries

Some surgical procedures can help treat heavy periods. A doctor may be more likely to recommend them if there are growths or polyps in the uterus.


These procedures include:


Operative hysteroscopy: This minimally invasive procedure removes polyps and other growths to help reduce a heavy flow.

Dilation and curettage: This involves removing some of the lining of the uterus to limit the bleeding. A person may need to undergo the procedure more than once.

Endometrial ablation or resection: These procedures remove most or all of the uterine lining. As a result, periods may stop, and conceiving becomes very unlikely.

Hysterectomy: This involves a complete removal of the uterus. It stops periods and means that a woman cannot become pregnant.

Possible reasons for heavy periods

Various factors can cause heavy periods.


When one period is particularly heavy, it may be because sudden fluctuations in hormone levels have caused changes in the reproductive system.


When periods are regularly heavy, the cause may involve:


hormones or the glands that produce them

birth control, such as an IUD

some drugs, such as aspirin

uterine fibroids or polyps

ectopic pregnancy

recent pregnancy loss

pelvic inflammatory disease

platelet function disorder

von Willebrand’s disease

cancerous growths in the uterus or cervix

Disorders affecting the liver, kidney, or thyroid can also lead to heavy bleeding.

Why Do People Have Periods When Most Mammals Don't?



The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source note that a heavy menstrual flow is one of the most common issues that women report to their doctors. Healthcare providers are unable to find a cause for heavy periods in half of all cases.



When to see a doctor

An iron supplement may help ensure that the body has enough red blood cells.

Anyone who has menorrhagia — heavy menstrual bleeding — should see a doctor. This definition includes periods that last longer than 7 days and periods that completely soak a pad or tampon every hour for several hours in a row.


The doctor will ask questions about general and menstrual health, and they may order additional tests to diagnose any underlying issue.


When a health issue is responsible for heavy periods, several treatments are available.


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Outlook

A heavy period is very common, and various techniques can help with managing it.


Lifestyle strategies, products such as menstrual cups, supplements, and over-the-counter medications can all help with symptoms while a person works with their doctor to determine the best approach. For some people, doctors recommend additional medication or surgery.


Even when a person can manage their heavy flow, it is still best to consult a doctor, who will want to investigate and identify any underlying issues. This can help reduce the intensity and duration of the flow.

How do you stop your period immediately?

Your doctor will most likely ask about your medical history and menstrual cycles. You may be asked to keep a diary of bleeding and nonbleeding days, including notes on how heavy your flow was and how much sanitary protection you needed to control it.


Your doctor will do a physical exam and may recommend one or more tests or procedures such as:


Blood tests. A sample of your blood may be evaluated for iron deficiency (anemia) and other conditions, such as thyroid disorders or blood-clotting abnormalities.

Pap test. In this test, cells from your cervix are collected and tested for infection, inflammation or changes that may be cancerous or may lead to cancer.

Endometrial biopsy. Your doctor may take a sample of tissue from the inside of your uterus to be examined by a pathologist.

Ultrasound. This imaging method uses sound waves to produce images of your uterus, ovaries and pelvis.

Based on the results of your initial tests, your doctor may recommend further testing, including:


Sonohysterography. During this test, a fluid is injected through a tube into your uterus by way of your vagina and cervix. Your doctor then uses ultrasound to look for problems in the lining of your uterus.

Hysteroscopy. This exam involves inserting a thin, lighted instrument through your vagina and cervix into your uterus, which allows your doctor to see the inside of your uterus.

Doctors can be certain of a diagnosis of menorrhagia only after ruling out other menstrual disorders, medical conditions or medications as possible causes or aggravations of this condition.


More Information

Pap smear

Ultrasound

Treatment

Specific treatment for menorrhagia is based on a number of factors, including:


Your overall health and medical history

The cause and severity of the condition

Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures or therapies

The likelihood that your periods will become less heavy soon

Your future childbearing plans

Effects of the condition on your lifestyle

Your opinion or personal preference

Medications

Medical therapy for menorrhagia may include:


Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), help reduce menstrual blood loss. NSAIDs have the added benefit of relieving painful menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea).

Tranexamic acid. Tranexamic acid (Lysteda) helps reduce menstrual blood loss and only needs to be taken at the time of the bleeding.

Oral contraceptives. Aside from providing birth control, oral contraceptives can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce episodes of excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding.

Oral progesterone. The hormone progesterone can help correct hormone imbalance and reduce menorrhagia.

Hormonal IUD (Liletta, Mirena). This intrauterine device releases a type of progestin called levonorgestrel, which makes the uterine lining thin and decreases menstrual blood flow and cramping.

If you have menorrhagia from taking hormone medication, you and your doctor may be able to treat the condition by changing or stopping your medication.

SAY GOODBYE to Period Problems Forever (Irregular Periods, Menstrual Cramps, PMS, Over Bleeding etc)



If you also have anemia due to your menorrhagia, your doctor may recommend that you take iron supplements regularly. If your iron levels are low but you're not yet anemic, you may be started on iron supplements rather than waiting until you become anemic.


Procedures

Release of embolic agents

Uterine artery embolizationOpen pop-up dialog boxFocused ultrasound surgery for treatment of uterine fibroids

Focused ultrasound surgeryOpen pop-up dialog boxBalloon ablation

Balloon ablationOpen pop-up dialog boxRadiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency ablationOpen pop-up dialog boxHow D&C procedure is done

Dilation and curettage (D&C)Open pop-up dialog box

You may need surgical treatment for menorrhagia if medical therapy is unsuccessful. Treatment options include:


Dilation and curettage (D&C). In this procedure, your doctor opens (dilates) your cervix and then scrapes or suctions tissue from the lining of your uterus to reduce menstrual bleeding. Although this procedure is common and often treats acute or active bleeding successfully, you may need additional D&C procedures if menorrhagia recurs.

Uterine artery embolization. For women whose menorrhagia is caused by fibroids, the goal of this procedure is to shrink any fibroids in the uterus by blocking the uterine arteries and cutting off their blood supply. During uterine artery embolization, the surgeon passes a catheter through the large artery in the thigh (femoral artery) and guides it to your uterine arteries, where the blood vessel is injected with materials that decrease blood flow to the fibroid.

Focused ultrasound surgery. Similar to uterine artery embolization, focused ultrasound surgery treats bleeding caused by fibroids by shrinking the fibroids. This procedure uses ultrasound waves to destroy the fibroid tissue. There are no incisions required for this procedure.

Myomectomy. This procedure involves surgical removal of uterine fibroids. Depending on the size, number and location of the fibroids, your surgeon may choose to perform the myomectomy using open abdominal surgery, through several small incisions (laparoscopically), or through the vagina and cervix (hysteroscopically).

Endometrial ablation. This procedure involves destroying (ablating) the lining of your uterus (endometrium). The procedure uses a laser, radiofrequency or heat applied to the endometrium to destroy the tissue.


After endometrial ablation, most women have much lighter periods. Pregnancy after endometrial ablation has many associated complications. If you have endometrial ablation, the use of reliable or permanent contraception until menopause is recommended.


Endometrial resection. This surgical procedure uses an electrosurgical wire loop to remove the lining of the uterus. Both endometrial ablation and endometrial resection benefit women who have very heavy menstrual bleeding. Pregnancy isn't recommended after this procedure.

Hysterectomy. Hysterectomy — surgery to remove your uterus and cervix — is a permanent procedure that causes sterility and ends menstrual periods. Hysterectomy is performed under anesthesia and requires hospitalization. Additional removal of the ovaries (bilateral oophorectomy) may cause premature menopause.

Many of these surgical procedures are done on an outpatient basis. Although you may need a general anesthetic, it's likely that you can go home later on the same day. An abdominal myomectomy or a hysterectomy usually requires a hospital stay.


When menorrhagia is a sign of another condition, such as thyroid disease, treating that condition usually results in lighter periods.

Does ginger stop menstrual bleeding?

Objective: A wide range of herbal plants have been reported to treat various gynecological problems of women. This study was set out to investigate the effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale) on heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) in high school girls. Methods: Ninety-two young women who experienced HMB and met the inclusion criteria were recruited in this study. Participants were evaluated for six consecutive menstrual cycles. During 3 assessment cycles, their HMB was confirmed by Pictorial Blood Assessment Chart. They were then randomly allocated to two study groups to receive either ginger or placebo capsules. The participants filled in the same chart during three intervention cycles. Results: The level of menstrual blood loss dramatically declined during the three intervention cycles in ginger-receiving group. The decrease of blood loss in ginger-receiving group was significantly more remarkable than that of participants receiving placebo (p < 0.001). Minimum number of participants reported adverse effects. Conclusion: HMB is highly prevalent among young women. Considering the significance of appropriate and timely treatment and also the importance of prevention of unwanted consequences, ginger may be considered as an effective therapeutic option for HMB. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of a period to the first day of the next. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days, but this can varyTrusted Source from person to person and month to month.


Your periods are still considered regular if they come every 24 to 38 days. Your periods are considered irregular if the time between periods keeps changing and your periods come earlier or later.


Treatment depends on finding out what’s causing your irregular periods, but there are remedies you can try at home to get your cycle back on track. Read on to discover eight science-backed home remedies for irregular periods.


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What causes irregular periods?

There are a variety of reasons why you may be experiencing menstrual irregularity. Excessively heavy, irregular, or prolonged periods is called menorrhagia.


Common symptoms include a period that lasts longer than 7 days or bleeding that’s so heavy you have to change your period product every hour.

How to Get Periods Immediately | 2 Effective Home Remedies | How to get Periods(Menstrual) On time



Causes of menorrhagia may include:


Medications. Some anti-inflammatory or hormone medications can affect menstrual bleeding. Heavy bleeding is also a side effect of the IUD birth control.

Hormone imbalances. An excess of the hormones progestin or estrogen, which regulate the lining of the uterus, may cause heavy bleeding. Hormone imbalances occur most frequently in girls who have recently started menstruating or women approaching menopause.

Medical conditions. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), endometriosis, inherited blood disorders, and benign growths and cancers have all been found to possibly cause menstrual irregularity.

How to get regular periods naturally

1. Practice yoga

Yoga has been shown to be an effective treatment for different menstrual issues. A 2013 studyTrusted Source with 126 participants found that 35 to 40 minutes of yoga, 5 days a week for 6 months lowered hormone levels related to irregular menstruation.


WERBUNG



Yoga has also been shown to reduce menstrual pain and emotional symptoms associated with menstruation, such as depression and anxiety, and improve quality of lifeTrusted Source in women with primary dysmenorrhea.


Primary dysmenorrhea is a condition that causes extreme pain before and during menstrual periods. It affects between 16 and 91 percent of women of reproductive age, and it can be debilitating.


If you’re new to yoga, you can look for online yoga videos for beginner or level 1 yoga. This will teach you how to properly do several moves. YouTube is also full of free videos where licensed yoga teachers walk you through a full yoga practice, making it easy to keep up with a regular yoga practice in the comfort of your own home.


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Summary

Practicing yoga 35 to 40 minutes a day, 5 times per week, may help regulate hormones and menstrual cycles. Yoga may also help reduce premenstrual symptoms.


2. Maintain a healthy weight

Changes in your weight can affect your period. If you’re in a larger body, losing weight could help regulate your periodsTrusted Source.


Alternatively, extreme weight loss or being underweight can cause irregular menstruation. That’s why it’s important to maintain a moderate weight.


People who menstruate and have obesity are also more likely to have irregular periodsTrusted Source and experience heavier bleeding and pain. This is due to the impact that fat cells have on hormones and insulin.


If you want to lose weight, talk with your doctor. They can help you identify a target weight and come up with a strategy of how to get there.


Summary

Having more weight or less weight can cause irregular periods. If you want to maintain a moderate weight, you can talk with your doctor about exercise and nutrition plans.


3. Exercise regularly

Exercise has many health benefits that can help your periods. It can help you reach or maintain a moderate weight and is commonly recommended as part of a treatment plan for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS can cause menstrual irregularity.

How to stop your period ?? | lighten your period, ease your cramps



A 2021 clinical trial showed that exercise can effectively treat primary dysmenorrhea by reducing the intensity and duration of pain associated with the menstrual cycle. However, more research is needed to understand the effect of exercise on an irregular cycle.


Summary

Exercise can help control weight, which may, in turn, regulate menstrual periods. It may also reduce pain before and during your period.


4. Spice things up with ginger

Ginger is used as a home remedy for treating irregular periods, but there isn’t any scientific evidence to show that it works. However, ginger does seem to have other benefits related to menstruation, primarily related to relieving pain.


A 2014 clinical study of 92 women with heavy menstrual bleeding showed that daily ginger supplements may help reduce the amount of blood lost during menstruation.


Taking 750 to 2,000 mg of ginger powder during the first 3 or 4 days of your period has also been shown to be an effective treatment for painful periods.


Research from 2014Trusted Source found that taking ginger for 7 days before a period relieved mood, physical, and behavioral symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). And a 2018 clinical trialTrusted Source demonstrated that 200 mg of ginger every six hours is effective in relieving pain in those with primary dysmenorrhea.


Summary

Although it’s often used as a home remedy for irregular periods, there’s no scientific evidence to support claims that ginger can treat irregular periods. However, it has been found to help relieve PMS symptoms.


5. Add some cinnamon

Cinnamon appears to be beneficial for a variety of menstrual issues.


Research from 2014 found it helped regulate menstrual cycles and was an effective treatment option for women with PCOS, though the study had few participants.


It has also been shown to significantly reduce menstrual pain and bleeding, and relieve nausea and vomiting associated with primary dysmenorrhea.


Cinnamon is generally regarded as a safe and effective natural treatment for young women with primary dysmenorrhea.

HOW TO TREAT PERIOD CRAMPS AT HOME



Summary

Cinnamon may help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce menstrual bleeding and pain. It may also help treat PCOS.


6. Get your daily dose of vitamins

A study published in 2015Trusted Source linked low levels of vitamin D to irregular periods and suggested that taking vitamin D may help regulate menstruation.


A 2014 studyTrusted Source also found it effective in treating menstrual irregularity in people with PCOS.


Vitamin D is often added to some foods, including milk and other dairy products and cereal. You can also get vitamin D from sun exposure or through supplementation.


B vitamins are often prescribed to those who are trying to conceive. They may help regulate your periodTrusted Source, but more research is needed to confirm these claims.


B vitamins may also lower the risk of premenstrual symptoms. A 2011 studyTrusted Source found that participants who consumed food sources of vitamin B had a significantly lower risk for PMS, and another study indicated that vitamin B-6 can alleviate premenstrual depressionTrusted Source.


A 2016 studyTrusted Source showed that women who took 40 mg of vitamin B-6 and 500 mg of calcium daily experienced a reduction in PMS symptoms.


When using a supplement, follow the instructions on the packaging, and only buy supplements from reputable sources. You should also talk with your doctor to get the go-ahead before adding any new vitamins or supplements into your diet.


Summary

Low levels of vitamin D may increase your risk for period irregularity. Taking a daily vitamin D supplement can help regulate your menstrual cycle. B vitamins may also help reduce PMS and regulate menstrual cycles.


7. Drink apple cider vinegar daily

Research from 2013Trusted Source showed that drinking 0.53 oz (15 ml) of apple cider vinegar daily may restore ovulatory menstruation in women with PCOS. More research is needed to validate these results, as this study involved only seven participants.


Apple cider has a bitter taste, which may be difficult for some people to consume. If you want to try taking it but have a hard time with the flavor, you can try diluting it with water and adding a tablespoon of honey.


Summary

Drinking 1/8 cup (15 grams) of apple cider vinegar a day may help regulate menstruation in people with PCOS.


8. Eat pineapple

Pineapple is a popular home remedy for menstrual issues. It contains bromelain, an enzyme that is claimed to soften the lining of the uterus and regulate your periods, though this hasn’t been proven.


Bromelain may have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, although there’s no real evidence to support its effectiveness for alleviating menstrual cramps and headachesTrusted Source.


Summary

Pineapple is believed to help regulate periods, though there’s little scientific evidence to support this claim.


An enzyme in pineapple (bromelain) may help relieve some PMS symptoms, such as cramps and headaches.


When should I see a doctor?

Home remedies can be useful, but you should still see your gynecologist for a regular checkup.


However, you should make an appointment if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms:


bleeding or spotting between periods, after sex, while pregnant, or after menopause

if your periods consistently last longer than a week

if you need to change your period product every hour for several hours in a row

severe pain

fever

abnormal vaginal discharge or odor

unexplained weight loss or gain

unusual hair growth

new acne

nipple discharge

Your doctor may also recommend medication or some other type of treatment depending on the cause of your irregular periods. Some possible causes include:

7 Natural Cures for Late Periods - How to Stop Irregular Periods



puberty

menopause

breastfeeding

birth control

PCOS

thyroid issues

eating disorders

stress

The bottom line

You may be able to get your menstrual cycle back on track with some lifestyle changes and home remedies. Scientific evidence is limited, however, and only a few natural remedies have been scientifically proven to regulate your menstrual period.


If you’re concerned about your irregular periods, speak with your doctor.

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