How To Induce A Period: Natural Remedies, Methods, Risks

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Natural Remedies to Induce Your Period

Medically reviewed by Tahirah Redhead MPAS, PA-C, MPH — Written by Tess Catlett — Updated on April 25, 2025

Exercise
Stress
Supplements
Medical attention
Takeaway

If you aren’t using hormonal contraception, you may be able to induce your menstrual period naturally. Modifying your exercise routine, taking steps to relieve stress, eating certain fruits and vegetables, and even orgasm may help kickstart menstruation.

Whether you want to get it out of the way before a special occasion or are experiencing an unexpected delay, there are things you can do to help start your period sooner rather than later.

But there are a few caveats:

It’s impossible to induce your first-ever period (menarche).
Herbal methods aren’t recommended for people who may be pregnant or are nursing a newborn.
Delayed or missed periods caused by an underlying condition are unlikely to resolve without treatment.

It’s also important to note that the research around natural remedies for inducing menstruation is limited. None of these methods are guaranteed to work.

Long-term hormonal birth control use is the only surefire way to regulate your menstrual cycle.

Some methods allow you to skip your period entirely or significantly reduce your symptoms, while others help create a set timeline for menstruation.

Evaluate your current level of physical activity and adjust as needed

Anecdotal reports suggest that light stretching or yoga may help loosen up your abdominal muscles and encourage your period to start.

If you haven’t already, developing a regular movement practice may help regulate your reproductive hormones and lead to more long-term predictability in your menstrual cycle.

You know your body best, so what this looks like for you may be different than what it looks like for someone else.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this generally involves about 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic movement most days of the week. Vigorous movement has a lower threshold — about 15 minutes most days of the week.

People who play sports, competitive athletes, and others who frequently engage in intense physical activity are more likely to develop menstrual irregularities, including missed or delayed periods.

If this sounds familiar, you might consider reaching out to a healthcare professional, such as a sports medicine doctor, to discuss your current training regimen and the potential impact on your overall hormone levels.

Take note of potential stressors and carve out some time for self-care

A 2021 review showed a link between perceived stress levels and menstrual irregularities.

This may be due to cortisol, a steroid hormone that’s released in response to stress. An uptick in stress hormones may interfere with your body’s ability to regulate your menstrual cycle.

It almost goes without saying that concerns about a delayed or potentially missed period can add to your stress. Managing stress — especially when it relates to factors outside of your control – is also easier said than done.

It’s important to acknowledge and honor this while still finding ways, however small, to take time for yourself. This might look like like:

taking a few moments to stretch or try 4-7-8 breathing
making a cup of tea and sipping with intention
going for a quick stroll around the block
picking one area of clutter (like the silverware drawer) to tidy up
drawing a warm bubble bath or a steamy shower
blocking out time on your calendar for masturbation or partnered sex

Anecdotal reports suggest that applying heat may help relax tense abdominal muscles and increase blood flow to the area. This could accelerate your menstrual cycle, but research is needed to support this.

Consider an herbal supplement or tea

The Food and Drug Administration doesn’t monitor herbal supplements in the same way that they monitor and regulate over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs.

Herbal supplements aren’t tested for safety, and the quality or purity of the product is never guaranteed. Look for supplements that have been verified by a third party testing organization and awarded a Certificate of Analysis.

Black cohosh root, extract, or tea

Black cohosh is best known for its potential role in alleviating menopause symptoms. Some believe that black cohosh may help regulate the menstrual cycle because it balances estrogen levels.

Black cohosh is generally well-tolerated in small doses. People who use statin medications or have a history of liver disorders should exercise caution.

Dong quai root, extract, or tea

Dong quai, also known as “female ginseng,” is another herb that’s believed to regulate and induce menstruation. It’s said to increase blood flow to the pelvis and stimulate the muscles in the uterus, triggering uterine contractions.

However, studies in this area are limited, and further research is still needed to confirm its effectiveness.

Dong quai is generally well-tolerated in small doses. People who take warfarin and antiplatelet medications should exercise caution.

Parsley tea

Parsley contains two compounds — myristicin and apiole — that may influence estrogen production. This may help regulate the overall menstrual cycle and stimulate menstrual flow.

Parsley is generally well-tolerated in small doses. People who use wafarin or pentobarbital or have a history of low blood sugar, high blood pressure, or kidney disease should exercise caution.

Many healthcare professionals advise against using black cohosh, dong quai, or parsley supplements if there’s a chance you may be pregnant or are currently nursing a newborn.

If you haven’t already taken a pregnancy test, you might consider doing so. You may also find it helpful to consult with a healthcare professional.

When to consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional

It’s natural to experience a missed or late period from time to time. Infrequent delays and other irregularities generally aren’t cause for concern.

But in some cases, a missed or delayed period could be the result of an underlying health condition. Consider speaking with a healthcare professional if you:

suspect you may be pregnant
miss three or more consecutive menstrual periods
bleed outside of your expected menstrual period
bleed after penetrative sex or masturbation
experience sudden changes in menstrual flow, timing, or duration

If you’re over the age of 45 and suddenly stop having a period, it may be a sign of menopause. A healthcare professional can help make a diagnosis and discuss your options for symptom relief.

Takeaway

If you aren’t using hormonal contraception, you may be able to induce your menstrual period naturally.

Modifying your exercise routine, taking steps to relieve stress, and even orgasm may help kickstart menstruation.

It’s also important to note that research on natural remedies for inducing menstruation is limited. None of these methods is guaranteed to work, but they can be worth a try.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Ackerman AE, et al. (2018). Amenorrhoea in adolescent female athletes.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30119761/
Adult activity: An overview. (2023).https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/guidelines/adults.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/index.htm
Alobaidi S. (2024). Renal health benefits and therapeutic effects of parsley (Petroselinum crispum): A review.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11672790/
Friederichsen L, et al. (2020). Effect of CIMicifuga racemosa on metaBOLIC parameters in women with menopausal symptoms: A retrospective observational study (CIMBOLIC).https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31734757/
Herbal remedies and complementary medicines for menopause symptoms. (n.d.).https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/alternatives-to-hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/herbal-remedies-and-complementary-medicines-for-menopause-symptoms/
Lu C, et al. (2020). Knowledge mapping of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels (Danggui) research: A scientometric study.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7082756/
Malloy SM, et al. (2021). THE relationship between perceived stress during the covid-19 pandemic and menstrual cycles and symptoms.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8446855/
Passoni P, et al. (2024). Association between physical activity and menstrual cycle disorders in young athlete.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11216807/

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Medically reviewed by Tahirah Redhead MPAS, PA-C, MPH — Written by Tess Catlett — Updated on April 25, 2025

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