How to make a period end faster?

Can your teen shorten their period?

Quick summary

• Most periods follow their own timeline, but some factors can affect flow length
• There’s no DIY way to make a period end faster, but drinking water, eating well, and gentle movement may help with period symptoms
• Encouraging your teen to track their symptoms using the luna app can help them spot patterns in how long their period lasts, and help them to plan

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Why your teen might want their period to end faster

If your teen is dealing with a long or heavy period, or have big plans on the horizon, they might ask if there’s a way to end it faster.

Maybe there’s a party coming up, they’re struggling with discomfort, or they just feel fed up.

At luna, we often hear from teens asking how to make their period stop earlier. 

So, as a parent, understanding what’s possible (and what’s not) can help you guide and support them with confidence.

Can you make a period end faster?

There’s no safe or proven way to force a period to stop once it has started. 

However, certain habits may support the body and potentially help a period feel less intense.

These include:

• Staying hydrated: drinking water can help to reduce bloating which sometimes makes cramps feel worse, but it won’t shorten a period
• Light movement: gentle exercise like walking or stretching may help reduce cramping
• Heat therapy: using a hot water bottle or having a warm bath can help relax the body
• Rest: quality sleep supports hormonal regulation, which can affect the menstrual cycle overall

That said, none of these methods guarantee a faster end, they’re more about comfort and supporting the body during menstruation.

What if the period is very long or heavy?

Sometimes, what seems like a long period is actually a sign that something else is going on.

If your teen regularly bleeds for more than 7 days or has very heavy flow (e.g. soaking through a pad or tampon every hour or two), it’s worth speaking to a doctor.

You can also explore our guide to heavy menstrual periods for more insight.

What doesn’t work, and what your teen should avoid

There’s no evidence that things like:

• Eating lemons or limes
• Drinking vinegar
• Doing intense workouts
• Taking supplements without medical guidance

…will make a period end faster. 

These claims often come from social media or word of mouth, but they aren’t backed by science and can be unhelpful – or even harmful – if taken too far.

If your teen is feeling desperate to shorten or stop their period, it may be a sign they’re experiencing distress or discomfort. 

You can talk to them about safe pain relief options or check in with their doctor.

Can medication shorten or delay a period?

There are some hormonal medications that can be prescribed to delay or control periods, such as for holidays, sports, or medical reasons. 

This should only be considered under medical supervision.

If your teen is interested in adjusting their cycle for a specific reason, you can learn more in our guide to delaying periods for teens.

What if periods are irregular or unpredictable?

Sometimes, teens want to shorten their periods because their cycle feels erratic or overwhelming.

Irregular periods are very common in the first few years of menstruation. 

If your teen’s period comes at unexpected times, or lasts a different number of days each month, this guide on irregular periods can help.

Encouraging them to track their cycle using the luna app can also offer clarity, helping them learn their unique rhythm and feel more prepared.

So, can you make a period end faster?

No. Your teen can’t reliably speed up a period, but:

• Staying hydrated
• Managing stress
• Using heat for comfort
• Tracking cycles with the luna app

…can all support their experience and help them feel more in control.

If their period is unusually heavy or distressing, it’s a good idea to check in with a doctor. 

And if they’re just tired of it getting in the way, try to remind them that, while they can’t control the timing, they can always control how prepared they feel and in time (with experience) periods usually get easier to manage.