Getting your period can often feel like an inconvenience or nuisance. The cramps, bloating, and need for extra bathroom trips make it something many women look forward to ending each month. Because of this, many wonder if there is a way to cut their period short and stop it once it has already started.
The Menstrual Cycle Basics
To understand if and how you can stop your period after it has started, it helps to first understand a little bit about how the menstrual cycle works. The menstrual cycle is the process a woman’s body goes through each month to prepare for a potential pregnancy. It has several phases:
- Follicular Phase – The lining of the uterus thickens and an egg matures and is released
- Ovulation – The release of the egg from the ovaries
- Luteal Phase – If the egg is not fertilized, the lining of the uterus sheds through the vagina during your period
The length of the full cycle can vary, but averages around 28 days. Periods usually last from 3 to 7 days. The consistent cycling is regulated by hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
Can You Shorten Your Period?
While you cannot instantly stop your period, there are a few things you can do to make it end sooner:
- Birth Control Pills – If you are already taking birth control pills, you can safely shorten your period by skipping the inactive placebo pills and starting a new pack right away.
- NSAIDs – Taking over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen sodium can help decrease period flow and lighten your period.
- Exercise – Some light exercise can help expel the uterine lining faster and potentially shorten your period.
- Orgasm – Orgasms might help along the expulsion of the uterine tissues and lead to a shorter period.
However, there is no guaranteed quick fix to instantly stop an already started period. Once your body has begun the process of shedding the uterine lining, you cannot abruptly put a halt to the menstrual flow. You have to let the cycle run its course.
Why You Shouldn’t Stop Your Period
While shortening your period a bit with birth control or the other tactics mentioned above is generally safe, there are risks to completely stopping your period once it has already begun. Some key reasons not to try to suddenly halt menstruation include:
- It disrupts your body’s natural rhythms and hormones.
- It could lead to spotting or unexpected bleeding later.
- There is a hypothetical cancer risk associated with not shedding the uterine lining periodically.
- It denies your body the cyclical “reset” that happens each month.
As inconvenient as getting your period can be each month, it is still a normal biological process with benefits. Avoid trying to override that process and let your body go through its regular cycle.
Medications That Can Stop Periods
While medications exist that can stop menstruation after it starts, they come with health risks and should only be used under a doctor’s supervision. The main options are:
| Medication | How It Works | Side Effects and Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Birth control pills | Prevent ovulation and thin the uterine lining | Nausea, breast tenderness, increased blood clot risk if over 35 |
| Progestin-only pill | Thins uterine lining to prevent build up that is shed | Spotting, breast tenderness, depression |
| Depo Provera shot | Blocks ovulation and thins the lining of the uterus | Weight gain, headache, depression |
As you can see, while these hormonal options can potentially stop menstrual bleeding, they each come with an array of risks and side effects. They also prevent ovulation, which may not be desired by women hoping to get pregnant in the near future.
Natural Remedies to Slow or Lessen Flow
If you cannot take hormonal contraceptives or do not wish to, there are some natural home remedies that may help slow or reduce your period flow after it starts:
- NSAIDs – Over-the-counter pain medicines like ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen can reduce prostaglandin hormones that make periods heavier.
- Vitamin C – Upping your vitamin C intake could decrease flow. Drink orange juice or take supplements.
- Apple cider vinegar – Adding a few tablespoons to water and drinking each day may increase blood clotting and slow bleeding.
- Lemon water – Helps regulate prostaglandin hormones that affect menstruation.
- Turmeric – Has anticoagulant properties that may decrease flow. Take capsules or drink turmeric tea.
However, these home options have minimal scientific evidence supporting their efficacy. They should not be relied upon to completely stop an already started period.
When to See a Doctor
While you typically cannot abruptly halt your period once it has begun, you should see a doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Periods longer than 7 days
- Bleeding heavier than you need to change a pad or tampon every 1-2 hours
- Periods less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart
- Menstrual pain that disrupts your daily activities
- Bleeding between periods
- Difficulty conceiving after trying for 6 months if under 35 or 3 months if over 35
Abnormal, heavy, painful, or inconsistent menstrual cycles can sometimes indicate health conditions requiring treatment. Don’t hesitate to see a doctor if anything seems off.
Other Options for Managing Periods
If you cannot stop your period after it starts, here are some other options to help manage menstrual cycles:
- Use a menstrual cup or disc instead of pads/tampons to collect rather than absorb flow.
- Wear period-proof underwear to protect your clothes from leaks.
- Take warm baths to soothe cramps.
- Get a heated pad to relax your abdomen and pelvis.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers for cramps.
- Get a prescription strength NSAID from your doctor if OTC meds don’t help cramps.
- Try supplements like calcium, magnesium, vitamin B1, omega-3s.
- Cut back on alcohol and caffeine.
- Stick to a balanced, veggie-rich diet.
- Get light exercise like walking, yoga, or stretching.
- Get enough sleep each night.
Conclusion
While there is no fast, easy way to immediately halt your period after it has already begun, you do have options to help shorten or lighten it. Hormonal contraceptives can regulate cycles, but come with health risks. Natural remedies may provide minor relief for some. Focus on managing your flow and discomfort through careful product use, medications, healthy habits, and lifestyle measures. Stay aware of any abnormal bleeding or cycles and see your doctor promptly if anything seems off. With a little preparation and self-care, you can get through that time of the month more comfortably.