Home Remedy for Irregular Periods

A late period is sure to give any woman a good scare. Count yourself lucky if you don’t know what we’re talking about. An average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days. Just like all bodies are different, so is every period for a woman. The length of your menstrual cycle could vary every month! If your period comes between 24 and 38 days from the first day of your previous period, then it’s still considered normal.

Your periods are only considered irregular if they come much earlier or later than the days mentioned above or when the time between your periods keeps changing with a huge difference.

Irregular periods can be caused by various reasons, like stress, an unhealthy diet, hormonal imbalances, diseases and hereditary factors. Treatment for irregular periods depends on the cause, but there are also home remedies for irregular periods you can try to get your menstrual cycle back on track.

Read on and bag some of the best remedies for an irregular period!

Causes of Irregular Periods

Irregular menstruation can result from hormonal imbalances, such as fluctuations in oestrogen and progesterone levels. Stress, excessive weight gain or loss, and obesity can also disrupt menstrual cycles. Medical conditions, such as PCOS and thyroid disorders, may contribute too. Additionally, rigorous exercise, certain medications, and reproductive issues can be underlying causes. Consultation with a healthcare professional is crucial for the diagnosis and tailored management of irregular menstruation.

Some Natural Home Remedies For Irregular Periods Treatment

The following are some of the homemade and natural irregular periods treatment and remedies:

1. Ginger Tea

Ginger is beneficial for many health problems, from cold to irregular periods. Regular consumption of ginger can regulate your monthly periods and get rid of irregular periods. Ginger is also said to decrease the period pain you might feel in the first 2 to 3 days. It also helps reduce the amount of blood lost during periods.

Let’s move beyond adrak wali chai and try making ginger tea with just three ingredients—water, ginger and honey.

2. Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds help produce heat in the body, which can help regulate your periods. You can also consume sesame seeds for relief from period pain. Oh, and it also gives you extra energy to deal with the fatigue that comes during period days. A win-win in our books.

3. Jaggery

Just like ginger, jaggery has a lot of medicinal properties, and your sweet tooth is always satisfied because it is deliciously sweet! You can eat jaggery if you want to prepone your periods; take it daily until you get your periods. It also has anti-inflammatory and spasmodic properties that help reduce uterine cramps during your periods.

4. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is helpful for a lot of period problems. Research conducted in 2014 found that cinnamon helps regulate irregular periods and could even be an effective treatment for women with PCOS, a hormonal disorder that also causes irregular periods.

You don’t have to include cinnamon strictly as a spice in your diet; you can also consume it as cinnamon water. Soak an inch of cinnamon in water overnight and boil it the next morning. There you have it!

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider can detoxify your body and get your periods back on track. However, apple cider has a bitter taste, which can keep you from making it a part of your daily routine. For a better flavour, dilute it in water and add a tablespoon of honey. You can also mix it with milk.

6. Pineapple

Pineapple is a popular and go-to remedy for irregular periods. It’s tasty and contains a special enzyme called bromelain that softens the uterus lining and regulates your periods. It also has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that alleviate period cramps and headaches. Moreover, pineapples help with blood flow and the generation of red and white blood cells. You can eat them raw after meals or mix them in your salads for a sweet, tangy twist.

7. Unripe Papaya

You must have heard of this one from a neighbouring aunty, your grandparents or online. Unripe papaya is one of the most popular home remedies to induce periods in India. Consuming raw and unripe papaya regulates irregular periods as it helps the muscle fibres in the uterus to contract. Papaya also contains a nutrient called carotene that helps balance hormonal imbalances.

A word of warning: Do NOT eat unripe papayas during your periods. It might increase your period pain by inducing violent uterine contractions.

8. Castor Oil

Castor oil is classified as emmenagogue along with ginger. Emmenagogue means any substance that stimulates or increases menstrual flow. It may also reduce inflammation, menstrual pain and cramping. Drizzle a small spoonful of castor oil on your veggie salad mix or fruit salad. Large amounts of castor oil can be poisonous, so be mindful of the quantity.

9. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera juice is an excellent remedy to regulate your periods, correct your hormonal imbalance and reduce extra weight. It also enhances your metabolism and keeps your gut system healthy. But just like papayas, do not drink aloe vera juice during your periods for the exact same reasons.

10. Beetroot

Another emmenagogue. Along with helping with irregular periods, beetroots increase haemoglobin levels in the blood. It is also anti-inflammatory and keeps your digestive system healthy.

11. Turmeric

Turmeric contains curcumin, which offers several health benefits, including reducing inflammation and boosting mood. Hence, women with PMS symptoms can take it mixed with warm milk or just in regular food to reap the benefits. It is safe to say that turmeric is an irregular periods home remedy.

12. Evening Primrose Oil

Another irregular periods home remedy is Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid oil, which is a prime ingredient in evening primrose oil and can reduce inflammation. The jury is, however, still out on this one, so take your doctor’s advice and some extra precautions while having it.

13. Mugwort

Some believe Mugwort helps regulate menstrual cycles due to its potential impact on hormonal levels, but scientific evidence is limited. Consult with a healthcare professional before considering it as an irregular periods treatment.

What to do when periods are late – home remedies

• Maintain a Healthy Weight

If you are worried about irregular periods, keep your weight in check. Your weight can mess with your period. Shedding pounds if you’re on the heavy side can help with irregular periods, but don’t go too extreme.

• Skip the Low-Carb Diet

Skipping a low-carb diet may improve period health as carbohydrates are essential for hormone regulation, and extreme low-carb diets can disrupt the menstrual cycle.

• Get Regular Exercise

Exercise is the go-to for your better health, helping with weight management and tackling PCOS. According to an NCBI study, exercise proves to be a superhero against menstrual pain. Exercise is one of the best solutions for irregular menstruation.

• Practise Good Sleep Habits

Beauty sleep isn’t just for Bollywood stars. Catching quality Z’s (sleep) can naturally regulate your cycle. Good sleep habits can help significantly with irregular periods.

• Reduce Stress

Stress reduction is your ticket to drama-free periods! If you are looking for an irregular periods treatment, channel your inner zen with relaxation techniques and watch your menstrual worries take a back seat.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Have you experienced any changes in your menstrual cycle occasionally? That may be caused by stress or other lifestyle factors. However, consistent irregular menstruation could be an indication of an underlying health condition.

Remember to visit a doctor and let them diagnose and analyze the underlying cause and develop a plan for irregular periods treatment that suits your needs.

FAQs

1. How long does it take for a period to regulate?

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), it may take around 6 years or more, after you begin menstruating, for your cycle to get regular. Some home remedies for irregular periods should help you regulate your periods easily at home if you’re going through this.

2. Does irregular menstruation mean infertility?

Irregular menstruation does not necessarily indicate infertility, as it can be caused by various factors, such as stress or hormonal imbalances. However, irregular periods may pose challenges when trying to conceive, and it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation if fertility concerns arise.

3. Can you get pregnant with irregular periods?

Yes, pregnancy is still possible with irregular menstruation, but irregular menstrual cycles may make it more challenging to predict ovulation accurately, which could affect the timing of conception. Seeking advice from a healthcare professional can help address concerns and optimise chances of conception.