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Your period is like that friend with whom you have a love-hate relationship – you sometimes cannot bear having her around but also miss her when she’s gone for long. And what happens when she goes MIA? Uh oh. You freak out. You cannot wait to see her again and that’s where the irony of the menstrual game lies. Well, maybe your cycle is just irregular.
What Is An Irregular Period?
For those still confused about what counts as an irregular cycle, let’s break it down for you. You know for certain that you can’t count your days if:
• You get your period more than once within 21 days
• It’s been more than 35 days since your last period
• The length of your period cycle fluctuates within a wide range
• Your period lasts longer than 7 days (now that’s a long week!)
Your body doesn’t need to follow the standard 28-day cycle but the larger bracket is between 21 and 35 days. Additionally, the length of your cycle should always almost be the same. For example, if one month the cycle is 31 days and the next month it’s 34, that’s okay. But experiencing a cycle of 25 days one month and 34 days the next month is something you need to get checked.
What Causes a Delay in Your Period?
Beach vacation starts in a week and there’s still no sign of Aunt Flo? Relax, it’s not always the big scare! We have solid reasons that’ll give you hope that your period is probably just around the corner. Here’s why.
1. Illness
Been sick lately? Your regular stomach flu or viral can impact even your menstrual health and delay your monthly period. It is advisable to keep track of all the times you fell sick during the month and using the number of sick leaves you applied for at work isn’t of course a good idea.
2. Medicines
According to research, certain medicines, such as skin supplements, steroids or thyroid pills can meddle with hormone production. This could alter hormone levels and push your period further away on the calendar – right when you have your big holiday planned.
3. Dramatic Weight Change
Intense weight loss means inability to release estrogen and sudden weight gain means excess production of estrogen. In either case, an irregular period is inevitable.
4. Stress
Whether it’s your boss you can’t stand or a breakup you’re struggling to cope with, overstressing can easily disrupt your monthly cycle. How? The stress hormone cortisol suppresses the levels of your reproductive hormones. Well honey, see what you got yourself into?
5. Travel
Travelling across different time zones means exposing your body to light at different times of the day. This disrupts your body’s cardiac rhythm which also affects your menstrual cycle. So if you’ve been flying in and out lately, be prepared to watch your period take a backseat.
6. Excessive Workout
If you can’t stop thinking about dumbbells and bench presses even outside the gym, the rigorous workout regime will strain your body, sooner or later. It will then struggle to produce estrogen and you’ll be left wondering about why your period is late.
7. Change In Routine
Disrupting your regular sleep schedule to binge-watch a series on Netflix? Experimenting with a new diet fad? Switched jobs and with that your daily schedule as well? All of these changes in your lifestyle can throw your hormones off balance and delay your period.
8. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (Pcos)
In PCOS, the eggs that should ideally be released as part of a healthy menstrual cycle may be released much later than the expected time. Thus, the period is delayed or even missed in certain cases. This is a medical condition and can only be treated by a professional.
Home Remedies For Late Period
1. Papaya
Why: Papaya stimulates contractions in the uterus and promotes the production of estrogen, both of which help trigger your period.
How: Snack on fresh pieces of raw Papaya or blend them to prepare a glass of fresh juice and drink it.
When: Twice every day until your period.
2. Fennel
Why: Your post-meal mouth freshener, Saunf or Fennel Seeds can help increase blood flow to the uterus. See you soon, period.
How: Soak two tablespoons of Fennel Seeds in a glass of water overnight. Strain and drink on an empty stomach.
When: Every morning until your period.
3. Pomegranate
Why: Pomegranate helps regulate the phasic activity of your period cycle to induce it faster.
How: Peel a Pomegranate and add the seeds to your daily diet in the form of oats, raita, etc.
When: Make it a part of your diet until your period.
4. Carrot
Why: Rich in beta-carotene and other bioactive compounds, carrots promote shedding of the uterine lining which in turn induces period. Yay?
How: Peel two Carrots and blend to prepare fresh juice. Sprinkle some sugar for taste and consume a glass of this juice on an empty stomach.
When: Every morning until your period.
5. Ginger
Why: To add to the antispasmodic properties of Ginger are known to ease period cramps, did you know that it can also help induce your period? Courtesy, bioactive compounds that spike body heat.
How: Crush Ginger to extract a tablespoon of its juice and add a drop of Honey to it. Consume this mixture immediately.
When: Every night before you sleep until your period.
6. Aloe Vera
Why: Aloe Vera balances hormones and alkalizes your body to achieve menstrual regularity. And you thought it was just your skin’s BFF.
How: Extract a spoonful of fresh gel from an Aloe Vera leaf and add a drop of Honey to it. Consume this mixture immediately.
When: Make it a part of your daily breakfast routine.
7. Pineapple
Why: Pineapple is known to spike body heat and induce uterine contractions that trigger the onset of period.
How: Peel a Pineapple and blend its slices to prepare a glass of fresh juice. Consume this immediately.
When: Every day until your period.
8. Cinnamon
Why: This aromatic spice can do more than just add flavour to your meals. It is known to warm up the body and induce your period.
How: Crush two Cinnamon seeds and add to your daily glass of milk or tea.
When: Every morning until your period.
Exercises For Menstrual Relief
1. Walking
While there isn’t any scientific evidence to back the belief that vigorous exercises can indicate an early period, being physically active can provide pre-menstrual relief and minimise the symptoms of conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
2. Pilates
Pilates is known to alleviate cramps and other PMS symptoms. A few Pilates exercises that can activate your pelvic floor muscles include Pilates lunges, Pilates seated side bends, rolling down the wall, seated butterfly stretches, cobra stretches, supine twists, hip twists, toe taps, and lying Rockettes.
3. Light Aerobics
If you’re experiencing fatigue, a light workout is recommended. Low-intensity aerobics can help reduce period pain while tapping into your endorphins and elevating your mood. Research suggests that your lungs work better in the second half of your cycle, so plan your workouts accordingly.
4. Stretching
Gentle stretching, such as yoga, can improve blood flow, reduce pain and tension, and boost happy hormones during your menstrual cycle. Stretching also helps with breast tenderness, cramping, muscular fatigue, and soreness.
5. Squat Jumps
Low-volume strength training and power-based activities such as squat jumps can increase your strength at this time. However, engage in this activity only if your period pain is bearable. You can also do lunges and press-ups for an energy boost.
Should You See A Doctor If Your Period Is Late?
While knowing how to induce your period is useful, you should also keep in mind that, sometimes, a delayed period can be a symptom of a bigger problem. In such a situation, you must consult a doctor immediately. Here are some situations in which you should consider visiting your doctor:
• If you suspect you might be pregnant.
• If you are experiencing other symptoms like abdominal pain.
• If your periods experience sudden changes i.e. become heavier and/or more painful.
• If you experience irregular/erratic bleeding in between periods or after sex.
FAQs On Irregular Period
1. What To Eat To Get Period?
For an early period, include these in your daily diet: nuts, Vitamin C-rich fruits, jaggery, ginger, papaya, dates, bell pepper, carrots, flaxseeds and salmon.
2. What To Do For Early Period?
For an early period, there must be no change in your normal routine and sleep pattern. Introduce healthy vegetables and Vitamin C-rich fruits into your diet while cutting out stress.
3. What To Do If Period Is Late?
If the expected date has passed and there’s still no sign of your cycle, wait it out for at least 30 days. If you get your period within this time, it was probably due to stress, dietary changes, etc. If you still don’t get your period or if you realise it’s been irregular for a while, consult your doctor.
4. Does Parsley Help Induce An Early Period?
Yes, the addition of Parsley to your daily diet can help regulate your cycle. Consumption of Vitamin C-rich food is known to induce an early period. Parsley is rich in Vitamin C as well as Apiol which stimulates uterine contractions. You can add Parsley to your meals or prepare Parsley tea with warm water.
5. How To Relax If Your Period Is Late?
Even if your period is always late, the wait can still be stressful. During such times, dial down the anxiety by adding an essential oil or a bath salt to your bath time routine. You can also try Yoga and meditation to calm your mind.
Nykaa Recommends: Khadi Organique Lavender & Neroli Bath Oil, The Body Care Blueberry Bathsalt
Here are a few period essentials you can grab to make your menstrual journey a lot smoother:
• Nua Cramp Comfort Heat Patches for Period Pain
• Wommune Happy Hormones PCOD / PCOS Gummies
• Be Bodywise 360 Degree Kit For PCOS & Irregular Periods
• SheNeed Feminine Cramp Relief Oil
