5 Remedies to Regulate Your Period
The duration of menstrual bleeding can vary depending on the hormonal activity of each woman. Under normal conditions, the menstrual cycle lasts an average of 28 days. However, if the time between one period and another changes constantly, then it’s said to be irregular. So, how can you regulate your period?
Treatment largely depends on the underlying cause of the irregularities. However, some natural remedies can help restore your cycle to normal. In this article, we’ll share with you 5 natural treatment options that you can try at home.
Natural remedies to regulate menstrual periods
Natural remedies to regulate your period often help balance your hormonal activity. Most are safe and don’t usually cause side effects, except in case of pregnancy, lactation, or thyroid problems. In these special cases, it’s important you consult your doctor before using these remedies.
1. Ginger to regulate your period
In traditional medicine, ginger has been used as an ally to regulate menstrual periods. However, to date, there isn’t enough evidence to corroborate these effects. Despite this, some studies have been able to determine that it has beneficial effects in cases of heavy bleeding or premenstrual syndrome.
How to use it:
- You can add ginger to smoothies, teas, or salads.
- However, the most common way to take advantage of its properties is by making a tea. You can drink it two times a day, preferably before your period starts.
Discover: 5 Natural Home Remedies for a Heavy Period
2. Cinnamon
People have used cinnamon since ancient times as a supplement for menstruation-related discomfort. In addition to helping to regulate your period, it has positive effects in the relief of menstrual pain and heavy bleeding.
How to use it:
- As in the previous case, you can add it in its natural state to various recipes.
- You can also make it into a tea by adding a teaspoon to a cup of boiling water.
- After letting the drink stand, you can sweeten it with honey.
3. Apple cider vinegar to regulate your period
In 2013, researchers published a study that showed that drinking around 15 ml of organic apple cider vinegar can help regulate menstruation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, we still need more evidence to substantiate these effects.
Despite this, it’s worth trying it as a remedy for irregular periods. In fact, due to its nutrient content, it may also be beneficial for other important body processes.
How to use it:
- First, dilute one tablespoon (15 ml) of apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water.
- Drink the mixture on an empty stomach every day.
- If you prefer, you can sweeten the drink with a tablespoon of honey.
Read also: 6 Possible Reasons Why You Have Irregular Periods
4. Wild yam
Wild yam, contains phytoestrogens that can help regulate female hormones. Because of this, people have used it in traditional medicine to control irregular menstrual periods. However, you should use it sparingly, as there isn’t enough evidence to support its safety.
How to use it:
- Boil a teaspoon of the root (about 5 g) in water for 10 minutes over low heat.
- After that, let the drink stand and strain it.
- Drink 2 cups a day, about 3 or 4 days before your period.
Note: See your doctor if you’re taking medications or if you suspect you’re pregnant. In both cases, drinking this tea can be counterproductive.
5. Parsley to regulate your period
Parsley is an herb with interesting culinary and medicinal applications. When it comes to the menstrual cycle, it can be very beneficial, since it helps to restore menstruation when you face irregularities. Also, being a diuretic, it minimizes fluid retention on those days.
How to use it:
- First, make a tea by adding a tablespoon of parsley leaves to boiling water.
- Let the drink sit for 10 minutes and strain it.
- Drink 2 cups a day, especially starting a week before your period.
In summary, you can use natural remedies as a complement to regulate menstrual periods. However, the scientific evidence is limited, so it’s important to consult your doctor before using them. In addition, it’s important to diagnose the reason for the irregularity.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Daily, J. W., Zhang, X., Kim, D. S., & Park, S. (2015). Efficacy of Ginger for Alleviating the Symptoms of Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Pain Medicine (United States). https://doi.org/10.1111/pme.12853
- Khayat, S., Kheirkhah, M., Behboodi Moghadam, Z., Fanaei, H., Kasaeian, A., Javadimehr, M., … Javadimehr, M. (2014). Effect of Treatment with Ginger on the Severity of Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms. ISRN Obstetrics and Gynecology. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/792708
- Rahnama, P., Montazeri, A., Huseini, H. F., Kianbakht, S., & Naseri, M. (2012). Effect of Zingiber officinale R. Rhizomes (ginger) on pain relief in primary dysmenorrhea: A placebo randomized trial. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-12-92
- Kort, D. H., & Lobo, R. A. (2014). Preliminary evidence that cinnamon improves menstrual cyclicity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized controlled trial. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2014.05.009
- Jaafarpour, M., Hatefi, M., Najafi, F., Khajavikhan, J., & Khani, A. (2015). The effect of cinnamon on menstrual bleeding and systemic symptoms with primary dysmenorrhea. Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal. https://doi.org/10.5812/ircmj.17(4)2015.27032
- Wu, D., Kimura, F., Takashima, A., Shimizu, Y., Takebayashi, A., Kita, N., … Murakami, T. (2013). Intake of Vinegar Beverage Is Associated with Restoration of Ovulatory Function in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1620/tjem.230.17
- Pengelly A, Bennett K. Appalachian plant monographs: Dioscorea villosa L., Wild Yam. Available at: http://www.frostburg.edu/fsu/assets/File/ACES/Dioscorea%20villosa%20-%20FINAL.pdf
- Charles, D. J. (2012). Parsley. In Handbook of Herbs and Spices: Second Edition. https://doi.org/10.1533/9780857095671.430
