Women are ’stopping their periods early’ with controversial method

Women online have claimed that a controversial period trend has shortened their cycles.

It’s safe to say that periods have been a pain in the neck for women since the dawn of time.

There are heavy flow issues, period cramps, nausea, dizziness, hot flushes, spotting, irregular cycles, missed periods, ovulation woes, and so on.

It’s never been a walk in the park, and so, women have taken steps throughout history to manage these pains.

From sanitary towels, tampons and cups to pain management medications and even contraceptive devices to stop them completely, we’ve ever seen a time where we have so many options.

But there is another way to stop your period that you might not have heard about, and that’s because it’s majorly controversial online.

Periods are a real pain for women, as well all know too well (Getty stock images)

What is 'free bleeding?'

'Free bleeding' is the latest way women are trying to free themselves and make their periods end quickly.

The way some Gen Z ladies are doing this is to ditch period products altogether in a bid to force the body to halt its process.

'Free bleeding' is a form of menstrual activism where you have your period without these products, and allow yourself to bleed - however and wherever you want.

You can sit on a mat, wear period pants, or choose no option and just bleed without any protection. It’s cheap, cheerful, and something people say is a natural way to get your period to stop as fast as possible.

So, how does 'free bleeding' shorten your period?

According to a woman on TikTok, it’s all in nature.

Ari Kytsya shared a video on the platform, claiming that this is how lions choose to end their bleeding.

She wrote: “The lion gaslights her period into being done by free [sic]bl33ding the last few days.”

So, we should too.

While many people were saddened that their periods were too heavy to risk it, others said this was exactly the thing they opted for too, and it apparently works.

People are free bleeding in an attempt to 'stop' their periods (Getty Stock Image)

One user claimed: “No actually fr this is why my period is 4 days….” as another wrote: “My period gets two days of undivided attention, the rest of the time, it's literally none of my business.”

As someone else said: “Girl, I thought I was the only one who did this.”

Others decided to use period underwear instead of potentially ruining their clothes, stating: "Girl I used to do that every month but now I use period underwear."

Another said: "period underwear is the best you can de fliw without the mess."

Does it actually shorten your period?

Is there science behind this? No, but it would be cool if there were.

According to Hello Clue, a menstruation tracking app, people have reported their cycles are shorter when they bleed freely, but there is no scientific evidence to support this theory. Instead, the app believes it's down to women not keeping tabs on their periods as they aren't using period products.

More and more women are ditching period products for good (Getty Stock Image)

Wuka, a period-safe swimwear, underwear and gym wear brand, also states that people report less cramps when they're free bleeding, but this could be down to feeling more free and at peace now that they no longer use uncomfortable period tools like tampons or towels.

As of right now, there are no reputable studies linking free bleeding to a shortened cycle, but the period tracking app Flo states you could potentially ease your period via anti-inflammatory medications or contraceptives.

The free bleeding movement first gained traction in the 1970s as a response to the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), which can be deadly due to the bacterial infection spreading to the bloodstream.

Since then, people have been talking about free bleeding often, particularly on social media sites like Reddit.

Sometimes, it’s not positive, as one user wrote: "Each their own, but I'm not gonna do it. I don't like blood everywhere."

Obviously, periods shouldn't be labelled as 'gross' or 'embarrassing', as it’s natural- but you can’t get everyone on board.