Menstruation is a normal process in a woman where the uterus sheds its lining along with blood. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days, but it can range between 21 days to 35 days. Anything outside this range can be considered irregular periods.
But what causes this irregularity? Some of the major causes of irregular periods are hormonal imbalances, underlying medical conditions, stress, anxiety, change in weight, eating disorder, and an unhealthy lifestyle. Thyroid, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), diabetes, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), and pregnancy are the other medical conditions that can cause irregular periods.
There are many remedies that can regulate periods naturally without major side-effects. Below listed are a few:
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory(1) and numerous healing properties, which can help in relieving period cramps. It also helps in controlling menstrual irregularities by regulating hormones and alkalizing the body. Aloe vera stimulates ovaries to produce mature eggs and thereby regulates periods
Extract fresh aloe vera juice and mix it with a teaspoon of honey and consume it daily before breakfast. Use this remedy in the morning for better results. It is better to use this herb to regulate periods in the morning.
Aloe vera extract is safe. You can have it daily for 3 to 4 months. Avoid using aloe vera during your periods.
[Read: Symptoms Of PCOS]
Honey is very soothing for the body, especially during menstruation. It can help in increasing the internal heat in the body, reduce pain during periods, and help you detox.
You can have honey as it is or mix it with a glass of lukewarm water. You can even have it with a spoonful of sesame seeds. If you want to prepone your periods, you can have ginger with honey.
You can mix a teaspoon of honey with a glass of lukewarm water for daily consumption. It can also be consumed by mixing it with sesame seeds or ginger.
[Read: Supplements for PCOS]
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, helps to increase the estrogen levels(2) in the body. Higher levels of estrogen stimulate uterine contractions and thereby cause bleeding. Vitamin C also reduces progesterone levels, which causes the uterine walls to wear, leading to an early period.
You can consume foods like citrus fruits, kiwis, tomatoes, broccoli, and bell peppers that are high sources of vitamin C. If you are taking supplements of vitamin C to regulate your menstrual cycle, make sure to stay within the recommended prescribed limits.
If you are consuming the natural sources of vitamin C, then you can have as much as you would like. If you take supplements instead, do not cross a tolerable upper limit of 2000mg at once.
[Read: Home Remedies for Menstrual Cramps]
Vitamin B may help to regulate periods naturally, and it is prescribed for women trying to conceive. It also lowers the extent of premenstrual symptoms(3). Researchers have found that Vitamin B12 can reduce menstrual cramps and make the period easier.
You can consume foods rich in vitamin B like brown rice, barley, millet, red meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk, almonds, etc.
It is good to have a healthy diet daily, which includes vitamin B foods. Since it has no side effects on the body, you can intake vitamin B without any worries.
PCOS is one of the major causes of irregular menstruation. According to a study, the consumption of apple cider vinegar helps in the restoration of ovulatory function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. It also lowers insulin resistance, which is seen in women with PCOS. All of this works towards regulating your periods naturally.
You can consume apple cider vinegar as it is by adding it to your salads as a dressing or drinking it with water.
Consume apple cider vinegar for at least 90 to 110 days to see the effects on the improvement of PCOS condition. Ensure that your consumption of ACV is limited as its acetic acid content may damage your esophagus and stomach lining.
Castor promotes blood circulation in the uterus, reduces inflammation, and also promotes the shedding of the uterine lining. It can even help in treating fibroids and endometriosis.
Take a soft clean cloth and soak it in castor oil.
Squeeze and remove the excess oil.
Place this cloth over your abdomen and cover it with a plastic wrap.
Put a heating pad over it and leave it for about an hour.
Castor oil packs can be used once a day for three days or more as needed. It should not be used during pregnancy.
If you have any health conditions or under treatment, take these home remedies after consulting your physician.
[Read: Natural Remedies for Irregular Periods]
A healthy lifestyle and habits are highly essential to maintain regular periods. Below listed are a few of the necessary precautionary measures:
Also, make sure that you get a healthy dose of essential nutrients with your diet. However, if you cannot, you can also try supplements after consulting your doctor.
Do not take more than the recommended dosage of birth control or contraceptive pills.
Taking necessary measures not only promotes a healthy menstrual cycle but also helps in alleviating other conditions or symptoms associated with it.
Research has confirmed the truth that the home remedies mentioned above can help in regulating the menstrual cycle, especially if you incorporate a few lifestyle changes along with it. However, consistent irregularities in your period can be a symptom of an underlying health condition. If your periods do not become regular even after using these remedies, you should consult a gynecologist.
You shouldn’t consume caffeine and salty foods. Also, do not leave sanitary products for too long.
Exercising during periods is actually good. It can help to alleviate the period cramps or pain.
Drinking at least ten glasses of water helps in flushing waste out of the body and reduce bloating.
Yes, it is possible to be pregnant any time a girl has unprotected sex. A girl with irregular periods ovulates even if it is not in a regular, predictable manner.