Fact Check: Coriander seeds help regulate delayed periods? Let’s find out
An instagram video claims that coriander seeds boiled in water can help in regulating periods.
By Neelambaran A Published on 18 Jan 2025 6:29 PM IST
Claim: An Instagram video claims drinking hot water extract of coriander seeds can regulate periods in two days.
Fact: The claim is misleading. Irregular periods can happen due to several reasons and require lifestyle changes, medication and surgery in rare cases.
An Instagram video has gone viral claiming that drinking hot water strained from coriander seeds will resolve the issue of ‘delayed periods’ within ‘2-3 days’. The video advises women to consume the water three times a day.
An Instagram user shared the video. In the caption, they mentioned the process of making coriander water and the benefits to women from consuming the water.
Fact Check
NewsMeter found that the claim is misleading.
“Coriander does not impact the periods directly. But it may help in regulating menstruation by harmone balancing. Irregular periods can happen for several reasons. It’s common for women to experience them at some point in their lives,” said Dr B Menaka, a consultant obstetrics and gynaecologist at Kamineni Hospitals, LB Nagar.
Reasons for irregular periods
The reasons for irregular or delayed periods include hormonal imbalance, stress, weight changes, thyroid problems, medications, pregnancy, perimenopause and chronic conditions.
“Hormones control the menstrual cycle. If something causes a hormonal imbalance, it can affect the timing of periods too. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are known for causing hormonal changes that lead to irregular periods,” Dr Menaka added.
High levels of stress can also interfere with the normal functioning of the body, including the menstrual cycle. Stress can affect the part of the brain that controls the hormones, resulting in irregular or missed periods.
Inconsistent exercise routines and incompatible diet regimens can lead to fluctuations in weight. This loss and gain in weight within a short period can cause hormonal changes that affect the periods.
“Intense physical activity or over-exercising, especially without proper nutrition, can lead to hormonal imbalances and missed periods. Similarly, the thyroid gland helps regulate hormones and if it isn’t working properly (either too much or too little thyroid hormone), it can lead to irregular periods,” Dr Menaka added.
She also explained how certain medications can disrupt the menstruation cycle.
“Medications, like birth control or antidepressants, can affect your menstrual cycle. Starting, stopping or changing medications can lead to temporary changes in your periods,” Dr Menaka said.
Medical conditions such as diabetes, celiac disease or autoimmune disorders can impact hormone levels or overall health, especially in women close to menopause, which usually occurs in their late 40s or early 50s, with periods becoming irregular.
Treating irregular periods
Depending on the cause, there are treatments to manage irregular periods.
Dr Menaka said, “Birth control pills or hormonal methods can help regulate the menstrual cycle by giving the body a more predictable hormonal pattern. If the hormones are out of balance, doctors may suggest medications that help bring hormones back into a normal range. This can help regulate the cycle.”
“If there are physical issues like fibroids (benign growths) or other problems in the reproductive system, surgery may be needed to correct them,” she added.
