Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Shorten your period with medication
• Method 2 of 2: Shorten your period naturally
• Warnings

When it comes to having periods, for most women, the shorter the better. An average period lasts between three and seven days, but there are ways to shorten the period and reduce the amount of blood you lose; read on to learn how.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Shorten your period with medication

1. Use birth control. Contraceptives can make your period shorter. In some women there is also less blood loss. For others, it ensures fewer periods per year.
   • Oral contraception (the pill). If you take the pill, you normally take an active pill for 21 days in a row. Active pills contain the female hormone estrogen, or a combination of estrogen and progesterone. Then you stop for a week, or take a placebo pill for 7 days. There are no hormones in it, so that will cause your period. One way to skip or delay your period is to skip the gap week and continue with a new strip. If you do not have a gap week, your body cannot initiate menstruation.
   • This works best if you are on a pill containing estrogen and progesterone, and the pill contains the same dose of hormones every day. This is called a monophasic combined contraceptive pill.
   • There are several monophasic combined birth control pills, including Microgynon, Dianette, Cilest, Yasmin, Marvelon, Mercilon, and Ovranette.
   • Oral contraception is only available by prescription, so you need to see your doctor first. Then, together with your doctor, you choose the pill that suits you best.
   • The pill can have side effects such as headache, nausea, breast tenderness, weight gain and minor breakthrough bleeding between periods. Pill use has been linked to blood clots, heart attacks and strokes, especially in women who smoke, are overweight, have high blood pressure, or are over 35 years old. However, there are also advantages: women who take the pill are less likely to develop uterine and ovarian cancer.
2. Take the pill continuously. In America, for a few years now, there have been oral contraceptives designed to reduce the number of menstrual periods per year to an average of four. These pills have 84 active pills, followed by 7 placebo tablets. During these days you will get your period.
   • There are studies that have shown that taking the pill continuously is safe, and that 53% of women no longer have their periods at all after 12 months.
   • A disadvantage of continuous use of the pill is that you will probably still have breakthrough bleeding for the first few months because your body has to get used to it.
   • Examples of these types of birth control pills are Seasonale, Seasonique and Lybrel. These pills will probably also be marketed in the Netherlands in the future.
   • Just like regular birth control pills, these pills must also be prescribed by the doctor.
3. Other contraceptives. Like the Pill, you can use birth control pads and vaginal rings to delay or suppress your period. You can also suppress menstruation with the contraceptive injection.
   • A prescription is required for these contraceptives. See your doctor and tell them that you want to delay your period as much as possible. He / she can then give you information about the best methods.
4. Try non-hormonal medications. Tranexamic acid (Cyklokapron) affects blood clotting and you only take it during the days of heavy blood loss.

Method 2 of 2: Shorten your period naturally

1. Try herbs. Some herbs have been used to regulate menstruation for hundreds of years. Try them as tea or pills to make your period shorter or lighter.
   • Monk's pepper. This herb helps against elevated levels of prolactin, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that triggers menstruation. Take 20 mg one to three times a day. You can buy it as a liquid, capsule or tablet.
   • Raspberry tea. Drink one to three cups of raspberry tea a day for heavy periods and to reduce cramps.
   • Maca root. Your menstrual cycle can change due to hormonal imbalance. Maca root regulates hormones produced by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, which in turn regulate the function of the ovaries. It is available as a powder or in capsules.
   • Yarrow. Drink an herbal tincture of yarrow every day the week before your period. This herb reduces bleeding by contracting tissue or blood vessels.
     • To make a yarrow tincture, wash white yarrow flower buds thoroughly and drain them in a colander. Put it in a clean glass jar, leaving about 2 cm free at the top. Fill the jar with vodka, put the lid on and put it in a dark, cool kitchen cupboard. Shake it once or twice a day. The tincture is ready after six weeks, then you can sift out the flowers.
2. Move. Regular exercise can lead to shorter and lighter periods. Movement strengthens the pelvic floor muscles and can improve irregular periods. Exercise also helps by reducing the amount of fat around the ovaries and other organs.
3. Consider reusable menstrual products. Some women who use reusable products find they have shorter, lighter periods. These are, for example, washable sanitary pads, sponges or menstrual cups (which you insert to collect the blood).
4. Free. There are conflicting reports about whether sex and masturbation can or cannot shorten your period, but at least it makes you feel better. Sexual activity during your period can help with PMS. Women say that an orgasm can relieve menstrual cramps, and that uterine contraction provides a soothing massage. Not only that, but natural painkillers and endorphins are also released during an orgasm, which helps against cramps, headaches, feelings of depression and irritation.
5. Stay well hydrated. It's always important to drink enough water to stay healthy, and that includes a regular cycle. Due to dehydration, your body produces a hormone called vasopressin, and that hormone is known to cause cramps during menstruation.
6. Accept natural changes in your cycle. Menopausal teens and women have low or changing progesterone levels, causing heavy bleeding and irregular cycles. This will pass automatically.

Warnings

• If your period lasts longer than 90 days without taking any medication, breastfeeding or pregnant, see your doctor.