20 natural ways to delay periods
Menstruation can be a regular and sometimes inconvenient part of life. There may be special occasions like an upcoming vacation or an athletic competition where one might not want to deal with the discomfort of a period and would like to choose a natural method to delay a period. It’s important to note that these methods may not be foolproof and should be discussed with a healthcare provider, as individual responses can vary.
Vitamin C
Increasing the intake of vitamin C can interfere with the production of progesterone, a hormone that prepares the body for menstruation. Consuming citrus fruits or juices may help delay one’s period.
Parsley
Parsley is thought to have mild emmenagogue properties. Drinking parsley tea may help delay one’s periods, although its effectiveness varies from person to person.
Ginger
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that could potentially delay menstruation. One can consume ginger tea or add fresh ginger to one’s meals.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is known for its calming effects and may help regulate hormones associated with menstrual cycle. Drinking chamomile tea regularly could regulate one’s period.
Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, which may affect hormone levels. It also anti-inflammatory properties that may also influence a menstrual cycle. Some women incorporate turmeric into their diet to delay their periods, but it’s essential to consume it in moderation. Incorporating turmeric into one’s meals or drinking turmeric-infused tea or milk could help one determine if it could delay menstruation.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon like parsley is believed to have emmenagogue properties. One can add cinnamon to food or drink cinnamon tea to see if it has any effect on the menstrual cycle.
Papaya
Eating papaya can help delay periods. This is because papaya contains carotene, which affects the level of estrogen. This is a hormone that is closely associated with one’s menstrual flow. This is mostly based on anecdotal evidence rather than scientific evidence.
Watermelon
Watermelon has cooling properties apart from being enriched with a significant percentage of vitamin C. Both these factors can help in delaying periods for some time. Since excessive body heat may cause an early start of the menstrual cycle, eating watermelon may postpone the periods.
Lemon
Lemon juice is believed to have an astringent effect on the uterine muscles. It may potentially delay one’s period. Mixing lemon juice with water and drinking it daily may help. In addition, adding lemon to one’s meals or drinking lemon-infused herbal teas can also help.
Fennel
Fennel seeds are known for their potential to regulate menstruation. Chewing on fennel seeds or drinking fennel tea may help to postpone one’s menstrual cycle.
Licorice Root
Licorice root contains compounds that can affect hormone levels. Drinking licorice root tea could also help delay a period temporarily.
Mint
Mint is known for its soothing properties. Drinking mint tea or adding fresh mint to meals could be a potential remedy.
High Fiber foods
Eating foods that have a high fiber content can help regulate hormones. Foods such as beans, whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts can potentially influence one’s menstrual cycle.
Aloe Vera
Some women believe that consuming aloe vera juice can help delay their periods, but scientific evidence is lacking.
Green Tea
Green tea is thought to possess antioxidant properties. Drinking it regularly before one’s expected period start date may influence hormone levels and potentially postpone menstruation.
Yarrow Tea
Yarrow is another herb believed to have emmenagogue properties. Drinking yarrow tea may affect one’s menstrual cycle. However, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider before using it to prevent any allergic reactions or side effects.
Raspberry Leaf
Raspberry leaf tea is thought to have astringent properties that might slow down menstruation. Drinking this tea a few days before the anticipated period could help.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an alternative therapy. It involves putting pressure on certain points of the body. It must be done by an expert professional to prevent injury and side effects. Some women explore this method to regulate their menstrual cycles and potentially delay their periods.
Exercise
Engaging in regular physical activity can affect one’s menstrual cycle. While excessive exercise can lead to irregular periods, light to moderate exercise might help regulate one’s period. One can do regular brisk walking, jogging, light aerobics, or yoga to help with the menstrual cycle.
Stress Management : High-stress levels can affect one’s menstrual cycle. When one is under extreme stress, the body starts to produce stress-hormone known as cortisol. This can affect one’s normal menstrual cycle. It is recommended to engage in relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to reduce stress. Lowering stress can influence hormonal balance and potentially delay your period.
It’s essential to remember that these natural methods to delay periods may not work for everyone. Additionally, relying on these methods too frequently is not advisable, as it can disrupt one’s natural menstrual cycle and potentially have adverse effects on health. Always consult a health practitioner to rule out any potential risks underlying health issues. They will recommend safe and effective methods for managing the menstrual cycle.
Delaying a period naturally using food and lifestyle changes is a personal choice, and results can vary.
Prioritizing overall health and well-being above all else is essential. While menstruation is a natural process, and while it can be inconvenient at times, it is essential to listen to one’s body and make choices that align with personal health and comfort.