Will Vitamin C Make Your Period Come Sooner
If you're someone who's been eagerly waiting for your period to arrive, you might have come across the suggestion that taking vitamin C can make it come sooner. But is there any truth to this claim?
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that is found in many fruits and vegetables. It plays a crucial role in the growth, development, and repair of body tissues, and is also a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
What Causes Menstruation?
Before we delve into the relationship between vitamin C and menstruation, let's first understand what causes menstruation. Menstruation is a natural process that happens when the lining of the uterus sheds itself in the absence of a fertilized egg. This usually happens once every 28-30 days, although it can vary from person to person.
What Does Vitamin C Have to Do with Menstruation?
Now, coming back to the question at hand - can vitamin C make your period come sooner? There is some anecdotal evidence to suggest that taking high doses of vitamin C can induce menstruation or make it come earlier than expected.
The theory behind this is that vitamin C can increase the level of estrogen in the body, which is one of the hormones that regulates the menstrual cycle. By increasing estrogen levels, vitamin C can stimulate the uterus to shed its lining, leading to menstruation.
Is There Any Scientific Evidence to Support This Claim?
While there is some anecdotal evidence to suggest that vitamin C can induce menstruation, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. In fact, most studies have found no significant effect of vitamin C on menstruation or the menstrual cycle.
One study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility found that taking high doses of vitamin C did not affect the level of estrogen in the body or induce menstruation in a group of women who were not pregnant.
Another study published in the Journal of Women's Health found that taking vitamin C supplements did not affect the length or regularity of the menstrual cycle in a group of healthy women.
What Are the Risks of Taking High Doses of Vitamin C?
While vitamin C is generally considered safe when taken in recommended doses, taking high doses of vitamin C can cause side effects such as:
- Stomach upset and diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache and dizziness
- Insomnia and irritability
- Kidney stones
Therefore, it's important to stick to the recommended daily dose of vitamin C, which is 75-90 milligrams for most adults.
What Are Some Natural Ways to Induce Menstruation?
If you're looking for natural ways to induce menstruation, here are a few things you can try:
- Exercise: Physical activity can help stimulate the uterus and induce menstruation.
- Herbs: Some herbs such as ginger, parsley, and turmeric are believed to have emmenagogue properties, which means they can stimulate menstruation.
- Heat therapy: Applying heat to the pelvic area can help relax the muscles and stimulate blood flow, which can induce menstruation.
- Stress management: Stress can disrupt the menstrual cycle, so managing stress through activities such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help induce menstruation.
The Bottom Line
While there is some anecdotal evidence to suggest that taking high doses of vitamin C can induce menstruation or make it come sooner, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Moreover, taking high doses of vitamin C can cause side effects and is not recommended.
If you're looking to induce menstruation naturally, there are several safe and effective ways to do so, such as exercise, herbs, heat therapy, and stress management. However, if you're experiencing irregular periods or any other menstrual problems, it's important to seek medical advice to rule out any underlying health issues.