{"id":17666,"date":"2020-06-05T14:25:27","date_gmt":"2020-06-05T12:25:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/?p=17666"},"modified":"2021-02-16T17:30:38","modified_gmt":"2021-02-16T16:30:38","slug":"ibuprofen-periods","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/ibuprofen-periods\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Ibuprofen make my periods lighter?"},"content":{"rendered":"

This article was medically fact-checked by Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Dr. Shree Datta<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

We\u2019re here to address a recent topic that stirred up Twitter\u2014can NSAIDs like Aspirin or Ibuprofen (ie Advil) make your period lighter? If they can, should you try it? Well, as it turns out, the answer depends on a few things.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How Heavy Are Your Periods?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Periods can suck. Even when you\u2019ve got a <\/span>dependable cup<\/span><\/a> on your side, surprise starts, <\/span>cramps<\/span><\/a>, bloating and more can mean your period ends up really p*ssing you off. And, if you\u2019re one of the many people who experience unusually heavy bleeding, that goes double!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But, is your period really as out-of-control heavy as you think it is?<\/span><\/p>\n

The typical amount of blood menstruated each month is 30 and 40 mL (1- 1.35 fluid oz), with higher amounts being 60 to 80 mL. Anything in excess of 80 mL (2.7 fluid oz) per cycle is considered \u2018menorrhagia.\u2019 This affects some 30% of menstruators, and flow may increase with age\u2014particularly as you enter <\/span>perimenopause<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the benefits of using a menstrual cup is that you can more accurately measure how much you\u2019re bleeding each month!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Are NSAIDs?<\/span><\/h2>\n

NSAIDs are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that are commonly used for pain relief. These drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, are probably already familiar to you as they are usually sold over the counter, and are used to reduce fever, treat headaches and reduce inflammation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Good<\/b><\/h3>\n

Research suggests that NSAIDs reduce prostaglandin levels\u2014this hormone-like substance is present in bodily tissues and fluids, and is notably involved with uterine contractions and elevated in those who complain of heavy bleeding.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the Fertility Centre at USC, NSAIDs can reduce your flow by 20-40%, however\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

And The Bad\u2026<\/b><\/h3>\n

However, this doesn\u2019t mean that you should start downing handfuls of painkillers whenever you get your period.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are several things to consider. Firstly, remember at the beginning when we talked about what constitutes a heavy flow? If you\u2019re within the range of 30 to 40 mL, a reduction of 40% is at most going to be 16 mL (.5 fluid oz).<\/span><\/p>\n

That\u2019s slightly more than what a \u2018super\u2019 tampon holds.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you have an 80 mL flow, that\u2019s a reduction of 32 mL (1.1 fluid oz), essentially the same as another person\u2019s entire monthly menstruation. So, if you\u2019re hoping that an over the counter pill can help your periods that are in the \u2018annoying but very normal\u2019 range, it probably won\u2019t make much of a difference.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And then there\u2019s the downside of NSAIDs. Generally, these types of medicines, while available without a prescription, can have serious negative side effects with heavy use, particularly on your stomach and kidneys.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So What\u2019s The Verdict?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Talk to your doctor, for multiple reasons. The sooner you get help, and diagnose a potential problem, the easier it is to treat. Yes, while NSAIDs may lessen your flow, they are not the best option for every person.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other options such as hormonal contraception may be much safer for you! As well, it\u2019s important to investigate exactly <\/span>why<\/span><\/i> your periods are so heavy before tackling it on your own. Some of <\/span>the causes of heavy bleeding <\/span><\/a>can be quite serious. However, thankfully there are a few options out there, even if NSAIDs aren\u2019t the easy miracle solution you hoped they\u2019d be!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Facts checked by:<\/h3>\n

Dr. Shree Datta<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Dr.<\/p>\n

Dr. Shree Datta is a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in London, specialising in women’s health including all menstrual problems such as fibroids and endometriosis. Dr. Shree is a keen advocate for patient choice, having written numerous articles and books to promote patient and clinician information. Her vision resonates with INTIMINA, with the common goals of demystifying periods and delivering the best possible care to her patients<\/p>\n

Medical<\/a><\/strong> | LinkedIn<\/a><\/strong> | Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Written by:<\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This article was medically fact-checked by Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Dr. Shree Datta. 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