How can you shorten your period naturally? Explanations and advice

Shortening periods, making them last as little time as possible, is a real challenge that all menstruating women try to win at some point in their lives. For some people, having shorter periods is even an obsession, especially for those suffering from endometriosis or abnormally long periods. We wondered how we could reduce them, naturally if possible.

Summary

How long is a period normally?
Is it possible to shorten periods naturally?
Does using contraception shorten the length of my period?

How long does a period usually last?

The average period for an adult not using contraception such as the pill or IUD is 5 to 8 days. This length may vary from person to person. The menstrual period corresponds to the number of consecutive days in the menstrual cycle when the person will have a discharge, whether the blood flow is abundant or light. If you have an intra-uterine device (copper IUD, for example), the length of your period can be extended. On the other hand, protection such as a patch, ring, hormonal IUD or pillcan shorten periods.

During adolescence, menstrual length at the time of first menarche can be very uncertain. During adolescence, the typical length may be 2 to 7 days. Menstrual cycles extend over a period of 20 to 30 days.

Is it possible to shorten periods naturally?

For all those who don't use contraception and want to shorten their periods naturally, there are several more or less successful methods. For all those who suffer from heavy or painful periods, here's a non-exhaustive list of tried-and-tested solutions for shorter periods.

Regular physical activity

To shorten your period and reduce pain in particular, sport and physical activity are good practices to have during your cycle, as they have several benefits:

improve general health and lighten menstrual flow
faster evacuation of blood from the uterus
reduce water retention
reduce bloating, cramps and pain

Some women who take part in intense sporting activity even manage, without necessarily wanting to, to stop menstruating altogether. This can also have a negative effect on fertility.

Making love for shorter periods

It's possible to reduce your period by making love! Yes, yes, you read that right :) When awoman orgasms, her uterus contracts. The more the uterus contracts, the faster the blood is expelled and the shorter the period. In other words, the uterine lining will detach more quickly, allowing you to have a shorter period. To avoid spotting during intercourse, we recommend you practice special positions such as the missionary position.

Adopt a balanced diet to shorten your period

To shorten your period naturally, you can opt for a balanced diet throughout your menstrual cycle. This will ensure that you don't suffer from essential mineral deficiencies. A balanced diet is a good technique, but it's also a way of life, and the key to better physical health and fitness. Vitamin B6, found in eggs, fish and poultry, is very good for reducing the body's estrogen levels and increasing progesterone. These nutrients help the pituitary gland to function better and normalize hormones. Taking magnesium can also potentially help shorten long, painful menstrual flows.

Vitamin C or homeopathy to shorten periods naturally

For shorter periods, vitamin C can be taken with fruit, vegetables or supplements, to help eliminate progesterone in the uterus, which will contract more easily and expel the mucous membrane. These uterine contractions will help your body free up blood flow and shorten their duration.Homeopathy can also help. Don't hesitate to ask a homeopath or doctor for the best advice!

Free instinctive flow for shorter periods

Does free instinctive flow shorten periods? Yes, if practised throughout the period of blood loss, it can help shorten it. By controlling the flow with the help of the perineum, you can also help to expel blood from the vagina more quickly and shorten the duration of your period. Blood will take less time to evacuate than when using a sanitary pad, where the perineum makes no effort to contract to retain or evacuate it.

Does the use of contraception shorten the duration of periods?

For those who suffer from very long, heavy periods, it is possible to use a contraceptive method to reduce their length, make them less heavy or stop them altogether. Hormonal contraception blocks ovulation and nidation by stopping the menstrual cycle: bleeding occurs on days when no hormones are taken.

FAQ on how to shorten your period

Is it possible to shorten my period?

It's perfectly possible to shorten your period. You can use natural methods such as vitamin C, herbs, homeopathy or physical and sexual activity. It's also possible to shorten your period by using a hormonal contraceptive.

How can I shorten my period?

There are several ways to shorten the duration of your period. There are natural methods that enable the body to expel blood residues from the uterus more quickly, as well as medical methods that regulate hormones and thus the production of the endometrium, which is responsible for menstruation. Always remember to consult a health professional if your blood loss is too heavy, haemorrhagic or lasts too long.