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.

Does drinking water help a period end faster?

This question has been trending on TikTok, and it’s one luna hears from teens almost every day.

Many videos claim that drinking lots of water can “flush out” a period and make it end sooner.

So what’s the truth?

Short answer: no, drinking water will not make a period end faster.

Periods are controlled by hormones, not hydration levels.

So even though water is great for overall health, it doesn’t change how long the uterus takes to shed its lining.

A small study from 2021 hinted at a possible link between hydration and shorter periods, but it was tiny and not strong enough to rely on.

More research is needed before anyone can say there is a real effect.

So for now, the science is clear: drinking water won’t shorten a period.

So… does water help at all?

Yes, staying hydrated can still support your teen during their period in helpful ways:

• It may reduce bloating, which can make cramps feel worse
• It can support energy levels and mood
• It keeps the body functioning smoothly during hormonal changes

But none of this actually speeds up the period.

It’s more about feeling better while the period runs its natural course.

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

There’s no evidence that things like:

• Eating lemons or limes
• Drinking water to excess (they need about 6-8 glasses a day)
• 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 their cycle with the luna app

…can all help them understand their body better and feel more in control of what to expect each month.

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

And if they’re simply frustrated that their period is getting in the way of plans, try to remind them that, while the timing itself can’t be changed, tools like luna’s cycle tracking, symptom logging, and expert guidance can make their period feel far more manageable.

With time and support, most teens find their cycle becomes easier to handle.

Rated 4.8

Give your daughter the best guide to girlhood with luna

Find out more