While there's no strong scientific proof, high doses of vitamin C are an old home remedy believed to induce periods by affecting estrogen and progesterone, potentially triggering uterine contractions, but it's generally considered ineffective for delaying periods and excessive intake can cause side effects like diarrhea, nausea, and cramps. Always speak with a doctor before trying supplements to alter your cycle, as methods lack consistent evidence and high doses can be unsafe.
Hormonal birth control is the most reliable way to regulate your menstrual cycle. Natural remedies like vitamin C or herbs lack strong clinical evidence for inducing periods.
Vitamin C: you're probably familiar with this one and may have taken it for your last cold but did you know that it could potentially impact your cycle as well? Vitamin C interacts with estrogen and progesterone and may help initiate the breakdown of your uterine lining.
Other than that, vitamin C is considered quite safe and an effective period medicine if you want to get it sooner. Symptoms may take around three days before they begin to subside.
5 Ways To Jumpstart Your Menstrual Cycle
What Causes a Period? A period happens because of changes in hormones in the body. Hormones are chemical messengers. The ovaries release the female hormones estrogen and progesterone , which cause the lining of the uterus (or womb) to build up.
Some recommended natural remedies to induce periods are:
Medications or Supplements: Generally, standard vitamin supplements (like D) aren't known to affect the menstrual cycle. However, certain medications (for example, some antipsychotics or chemotherapy drugs) and even some herbal supplements can influence hormones or menstruation.
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a popular vitamin, nutrient, and antioxidant. Its hormonal benefits include: Regulation of cortisol and adrenaline levels. Protect testosterone levels for men against destruction.
Taking too much vitamin C can cause side effects, including:
An essential antioxidant, vitamin C has been found to be vital for female and male reproductive health, as it can benefit the health quality of eggs and sperm, as well as influence hormonal health, ovulation, and various reproductive issues.
Vitamin C supplementation at 750 mg daily increases progesterone levels by 77%, supporting fertility and hormonal balance. Taking vitamin C with iron-rich foods or supplements can double your iron absorption, helping prevent anemia that affects women disproportionately.
Taking too much vitamin C can cause diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps. In people with a condition called hemochromatosis, which causes the body to store too much iron, high doses of vitamin C could worsen iron overload and damage body tissues.
Vitamin C should not be mixed with acids, which includes all AHAs and BHAs. Vitamin C plays a key role in strengthening the outer layer of our skin barrier, but when combined with an acid, it can enhance the potency of your vitamin C and cause severe irritation [5].
Common causes of a missed or late period include:
The most common reasons are:
There is no scientific evidence that vitamin C can induce menstruation. Consult a healthcare provider before using any method to make your period come faster.
Here are the best foods to help you get your periods immediately.
Dehydration can alter hormone balance by stressing your body. Over time, this stress can contribute to cycle irregularities or delayed periods.
The only reliable method for changing a menstrual cycle is by using hormonal birth control. However, diet, exercise, and stress reduction may also help. There are no ways to induce a first-ever period.
Let's take a closer look at key nutrients: Vitamin C: Known to promote estrogen production and uterine contractions. Beta-Carotene: Found in orange-colored foods like carrots and papayas, it supports hormonal balance. Magnesium: Helps relax the uterine muscles and reduce stress, which can delay periods.
If you've gone over 35 days without your period, that would be considered late. Some people go for a few months at a time without a period, and that would be more concerning.” Hormone imbalances and health conditions are the most common reasons periods are irregular or late, says Dr. Carlson.
Do not take vitamin C at night before bed, as its stimulating properties can cause excitability and insomnia. Take vitamin C after meals, as this timing allows for better absorption through the stomach and intestines. Taking it before meals may lead to excretion and reduced effectiveness.
With a vitamin C content of 2,300 to 3,150 mg per 100g of pulp, Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana; also known as gubinge or billygoat plum) is very likely the fruit with the highest content of vitamin C.