Tips for Managing Irregular Periods Caused by Birth Control

Hate never knowing when Aunt Flo is going to show up? Unfortunately, this is one of the qualms of switching to a new birth control method. When you get your birth control prescription sent to you by Nurx, it might take some time for your body to adjust to the different levels of hormones, meaning your regular schedule could get out of whack. Don’t let this hiccup distract you from all the benefits you’ll gain from birth control. Use these tips to manage your irregular periods until your cycle gets back in sync.

Wear a Menstrual Cup or Period Underwear

So, you know your period is supposed to start soon. Maybe. It was actually due last Tuesday, but nothing ever happened. Playing the guessing game is no fun, which is why you should consider wearing a menstrual cup or period underwear around the time your period is slated to start.

If you’re unfamiliar, a menstrual cup is a small, flexible cup made of silicone that you insert into your vagina. It catches period blood inside you, eliminating the need for tampons or pads. When the cup is full, just take it out, dump the blood down the sink, and put it back in.

If it’s in position correctly, you shouldn’t even feel a menstrual cup, so wearing it while you wait for your period to start shouldn’t be too much of an inconvenience. Just make sure you take it out every 12 hours and give it a good cleaning to keep your vagina healthy.

Period underwear is a similar concept to a pad except that you can wash and wear it again. If you do start your period, it soaks up all the blood so it doesn’t leak onto your clothes. Buy a few pairs of this underwear and wear it whenever you have a hunch your period might arrive.

Carry Supplies

Ok, so you don’t want to walk around with a hunk of silicone in your vagina just in case your period decides to start? That’s fair. However, you still need to be prepared, so be sure you’re carrying around tampons or pads. You might also want to pack an extra pair of underwear because you know how messy things can get when your period takes you by surprise.

Add these supplies to your purse, and maybe stash a few in your car, at your desk at work, or at a friend’s home. That way, you’ll be prepared even if the red sea starts flowing at the most inconvenient time.

Reduce Stress

While getting your birth control from Nurx should do a lot to eliminate the stress associated with visiting the doctor, chances are this isn’t the only stress in your life. Stress and anxiety are directly linked to irregular periods, so eliminating frustration in your life should go a long way in helping normalize your schedule.

Remember Treat Yo’ Self day? Don’t wait for a specific time of year to indulge in some pampering; instead, make it a regular occurrence. Take a bubble bath, read your favorite book, or spend some time meditating. These are all great ways to clear your head and ease yourself into a state of relaxation. With your body off high alert, it can get back to doing normal things, like scraping out the inside of your uterus.

Eat Healthy

It shouldn’t really come as a big shock, but what you eat plays a big role in the regularity of your menstrual cycle. While diet might not be enough to completely combat hormonal irregularities caused by starting birth control, it should definitely keep your period from shifting too much. A balanced diet is your best bet, but there are certain foods that have been linked to healthier menstruation.

For example, unripe papaya is a good tool for helping the muscles of the uterus contract, while turmeric and aloe vera assist in balancing out-of-whack hormones. Ginger, cumin, and cinnamon are also highly lauded ingredients for bringing your menstruation back into sync.

Exercise Regularly

It’s true — exercise is probably the last thing on your mind when you’re waiting for your period to start, especially if you’re experiencing nasty PMS or PMDD symptoms. However, just hear us out. Exercise is key to the production of endorphins, which naturally destress you. Not only that, but exercise takes your mind off your period and gives you something else to focus on.

This doesn’t mean you have to run a marathon or start squatting 500 pounds at the gym. Engage in whatever you feel comfortable doing, whether it’s yoga, CrossFit, or a walk around the block. The goal is to get your heart pumping and your muscles burning.

Exercise also has another benefit. Weight can sometimes impact your birth control because it affects your body’s hormone levels. By eating healthier and sticking with your workouts, you should be able to regulate your hormones and keep yourself more regular.

Having irregular periods can suck. Luckily, it usually just takes your body a few months to adjust to a new birth control. After your body gets used to things, most combination pills, such as Yasmin and Tri-Norinyl, offer both increased menstrual regularity and shorter, lighter periods. You’ll never have to play the guessing game again when it comes to predicting the arrival of Aunt Flo. And you can accomplish this all with the help of Nurx.

This blog pro­vides infor­ma­tion about telemed­i­cine, health and related sub­jects. The blog content and any linked materials herein are not intended to be, and should not be con­strued as a substitute for, med­ical or healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment. Any reader or per­son with a med­ical con­cern should con­sult with an appropriately-licensed physi­cian or other healthcare provider. This blog is provided purely for informational purposes. The views expressed herein are not sponsored by and do not represent the opinions of Nurx™.