There are a few techniques you can try to stop your period faster. Some are safe to do monthly, but others require moderation or a doctor’s approval.

It’s bound to happen occasionally: A vacation, a day at the beach, or a special occasion will coincide with your period.

Rather than let this throw off your plans, it may be possible to end the menstruation process faster and reduce the number of days in your cycle.

But if you frequently experience long or irregular periods, discuss long-term solutions with your doctor.

How long is a typical period?

The length of menstruation varies from person to person and is affected by many things, including stress, body mass index, and hormones.

An average period can last from 2 to 7 days, although some people have longer periods. You may also experience a natural shortening of your cycle as you age.

Hormonal birth control can be used to regulate your cycle and lessen the number of days you experience period-like withdrawal bleeding each month.

If you’re just starting hormonal birth control, it may take several cycles before your bleeding becomes shorter.

Examples of hormonal birth control include:

Some kinds of hormonal contraception can stop period-like bleeding altogether. For example, if you receive the Depo-Provera shot, monthly withdrawal bleeding may stop after the first year of injections.

Many people also experience changes to their menstrual cycle after getting an IUD inserted.

Opill, a progestin-only pill, is the only hormonal method available over the counter. A healthcare professional must prescribe all other forms of hormonal birth control.

Certain herbal remedies may also help alleviate long and painful menstruation. More research is needed, but it’s worth talking with a healthcare professional.

Some of the most promising herbs for menstruation include:

  • ginger, which may help alleviate heavy bleeding
  • myrtle fruit syrup, which may help reduce heavy menstruation
  • fennel, which has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce menstrual pain

Certain micronutrients, such as B vitamins, are essential to your overall health. Some may even ease your periods while alleviating PMS symptoms.

Vitamin B6 is one of the nutrients that may affect your periods. It’s found naturally in foods such as eggs, fish, and poultry.

Regular supplementation with vitamin B6 may reduce the thickness of the endometrial lining. This, in turn, may lead to lighter bleeding and, potentially, a shorter period. However, more research is needed.

Talk with a healthcare professional before adding any new vitamins or supplements to your routine.

People with obesity may have an increased risk of having heavier or longer periods. Some people may even experience heavy, painful symptoms for weeks at a time.

This is attributed to increased estrogen production from fat cells, which can make cycles heavier and longer.

If you’ve experienced heavy periods, you may want to speak with a healthcare professional about possible hormone testing. They can also help give you some tips to lose weight safely and gradually, if weight loss is recommended.

While this may not offer a short-term solution for ending your period faster now, taking steps to manage your weight may pay off for future menstrual cycles.

While some methods may help reduce the length of your period, it’s not always a quick fix.

You may be able to reduce the length in some cases through the use of hormonal birth control or natural remedies, like herbs and vitamins.

Some hormonal contraceptives can also prevent a period altogether. Examples include Mirena (levonorgestrel) and Nexplanon (etonogestrel).

A 2021 study suggests that drinking water might help shorten the length of your period. However, more research is necessary to confirm these findings.

That said, staying hydrated while on your period is important. Heavy bleeding can cause dehydration, as well as symptoms like weakness or fatigue.

There are many reasons for a period that doesn’t end, and they’re usually related to your hormones. This can be caused by medical conditions or medications you’re taking.

A miscarriage can also look like a period with heavy bleeding that doesn’t seem to end. If you experience any kind of unusual or excessive bleeding, seek medical care.

If your periods typically last for more than a week, are very heavy, or cause painful cramps, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional. These may be symptoms of an underlying medical condition.

You and a doctor can work together to determine what’s causing these symptoms and how to best move forward.