How to Make Your Period Go Faster

Few women enjoy getting their period each month. With such uncomfortable side effects as bloating, cramps and fatigue, it's no wonder that women wish for shorter periods. The length of a period varies from woman to woman. Some women may only menstruate for one day, while others may experience 8-day periods. While it's difficult to alter the length of your natural cycle, there are some things you can do to help your period go by faster.

Things You'll Need

• Heating pad
• Birth-control medication

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Instructions

• 1

  Apply a heating pad to your pelvis. Heat dilates your blood vessels, thereby encouraging blood to flow more quickly.

• 2

  Soak in a hot tub of water. The heat will encourage dilation, thereby increasing the blood flow from your uterus. Be aware that your flow may be heavier due to the dilation; however, it should result in a shorter menstruation period.

• 3

  Exercise. Since exercise aids in circulation, it can help to encourage the menstruation cycle. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. Exercise has also been shown to alleviate menstrual-cramp pain.

• 4

  Drink lots of water and other clear fluids. Water helps to flush away toxins that may interfere with menstrual flow. Aim to drink more water than usual during your period.

• 5

  Avoid salty foods. Excess sodium can lead to retention, thereby worsening your menstrual symptoms.

• 6

  Consider birth control medication. The hormones used in birth control pills often lighten and shorten women's menstrual cycles. For example, women that previously had eight day cycles find that they have two or three day periods once on birth control medication. Ask your doctor if this is a viable solution for you.

• 7

  Talk to your doctor about menstrual extraction. This medical technique involves suctioning blood from the uterus on the first day of your period. Menstrual extraction is most commonly used by athletes or others who have an important reason for shortening their period. It is not recommended to be used regularly as a means of expediting menstruation.