WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for July, 1999: Re: menstrual cycle

Re: menstrual cycle

From: D. Ashley Hill, M.D. (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Sat, 31 Jul 1999 11:52:53 -0500 (CDT)

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In reply to: kellie: "menstrual cycle"

At Fri, 30 Jul 1999, kellie wrote: >
>I wanted to know if there was any type of medicine that would curve or
>shorten your menstrual cycle

Kellie-

There are actually a number of medications that will shorten your menstrual cycle. In fact, they will also significantly decrease both menstrual cramps and the amount of bleeding.

Both birth control pills and a class of medications called "NSAIDS" will work, either separately, or together, to shorten menses. NSAIDS are simply medications like ibuprofen (motrin) or naproxen (anaprox). (Tylenol, for example, is not an NSAID, and while it is useful for many conditions, it does not really help period cramps). NSAIDS work by blocking a chemical called prostaglandin. This decreases the amount of blood and the cramps that go with it. In fact, by taking 800mg of ibuprofen (which is usually 4 advil tablets) every 8 hours just during your period, one can decrease the amount of bleeding by almost 1/2. If I had periods, I would start this the second I felt that my period was starting. Birth control pills work in a slightly different way, but with the same effect.

It's always best to check with your doctor or health care provider before starting any medication. Thanks for the excellent question.

Best wishes,

-- David Ashley Hill, M.D. Associate Director Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Florida Hospital Family Practice Residency Orlando, Florida http://home.mpinet.net/dahmd

Please note that the above does not constitute a patient:physician relationship, and that, unfortunately, I am unable to answer personal e-mail due to time constraints.

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