A menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of a period to the first day of the next. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days, but this can vary from person to person and month to month. Your periods are still considered regular if they come very 24 to 38 days. Your periods are considered irregular if the time between periods keeps changing and your periods come earlier or later. Treatment depends on finding out what’s causing your irregular periods, but there are remedies you can try at home to get your cycle back on track. Read on to discover some home remedies for irregular periods.
Practice Yoga
Yoga has been shown to be an effective treatment for different menstrual issues. A 2013 study with 126 participants found that 35 to 40 minutes of yoga, 5 days a week for 6 months lowered hormone levels related to irregular menstruation. If you’re new to yoga, you can look for online yoga videos for beginner or level 1 yoga. This will teach you how to properly do several moves.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Changes in your weight can affect your period. If you’re in a larger body, losing weight could help regulate your periods. Alternatively, extreme weight loss or being underweight can cause irregular menstruation. That’s why it’s important to maintain a moderate weight. People who menstruate and have obesity are also more likely to have irregular periods and experience heavier bleeding and pain. This is due to the impact that fat cells have on hormones and insulin. If you want to lose weight, talk with your doctor. They can help you identify a target weight and come up with a strategy of how to get there.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise has many health benefits that can help your periods. It can help you reach or maintain a moderate weight and is commonly recommended as part of a treatment plan for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS can cause menstrual irregularity. A 2021 clinical trial showed that exercise can effectively treat primary dysmenorrhea by reducing the intensity and duration of pain associated with the menstrual cycle. However, more research is needed to understand the effect of exercise on an irregular cycle.
Add Some Cinnamon
Cinnamon appears to be beneficial for a variety of menstrual issues. Research from 2014 found it helped regulate menstrual cycles and was an effective treatment option for women with PCOS, though the study had few participants. It has also been shown to significantly reduce menstrual pain and bleeding, and relieve nausea and vomiting associated with primary dysmenorrhea. Cinnamon is generally regarded as a safe and effective natural treatment for young women with primary dysmenorrhea.
Get Your Daily Dose of Vitamins
A study published in 2015 linked low levels of vitamin D to irregular periods and suggested that taking vitamin D may help regulate menstruation. A 2014 study also found it effective in treating menstrual irregularity in people with PCOS. Vitamin D is often added to some foods, including milk and other dairy products and cereal. You can also get vitamin D from sun exposure or through supplementation. B vitamins are often prescribed to those who are trying to conceive. They may help regulate your period, but more research is needed to confirm these claims. When using a supplement, follow the instructions on the packaging, and only buy supplements from reputable sources. You should also talk with your doctor to get the go-ahead before adding any new vitamins or supplements into your diet.
The Bottom Line
You may be able to get your menstrual cycle back on track with some lifestyle changes and home remedies. Something to keep in mind is only a few natural remedies have been scientifically proven to regulate your menstrual period. If you’re concerned about your irregular periods, speak with your doctor.