How can papaya affect my menstrual cycle and is it safe to use for regulating my period? - #21942

I am really curious about the effects of papaya on period cycles. So, here's the thing. I've been having irregular periods for the past few months—sometimes super late or just not showing up at all. My friend started talking about how papaya can help regulate periods, and I don’t know if I should believe it. She mentioned how papaya helps with menstrual flow and can actually bring on your period if you’re late. Like, how does that even work? I'm kinda skeptical, but also really wanting to try something natural instead of hormones or pills. So, I looked it up, and it seems like papaya contains some enzymes that might affect the uterine muscles or something? But I'm not sure if that’s good or bad! I’ve been eating some raw papaya in smoothies, but I don’t know if I’m doing it right. I guess my questions are: how much papaya do I need to eat for it to make a difference? And, are there any side effects I should be worried about, like, should I avoid papaya if I'm feeling weird symptoms around my period? I’ve heard stories of women using papaya for a delayed period, so I’m just scared of messing things up. I mean, it’s kinda frustrating not knowing what’s going on with my body! Do you think papaya can help kickstart my period or is it all just a myth? I just wanna figure this out without going through further stress or complicating my health more. Any advice or experiences with papaya period would be super appreciated. Thanks!