Menstrual Disorders - Medications

Highlights	Risk Factors	Medications
Introduction	Complications	Surgery
Menstrual Disorders	Diagnosis	Resources
Causes	Treatment	References

Medications

There are a number of different medicines prescribed for menstrual disorders.

Common Pain Relievers for Cramps

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) block prostaglandins (the substances that increase uterine contractions). They are effective painkillers that also help control theinflammatory factors that may be responsible for heavy menstrual bleeding. Aspirin is the most common NSAID, but there are dozens of others available over the counter or by prescription. Among the most effective NSAIDs for menstrual disorders are ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Midol PMS), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Anaprox), and mefenamic acid (Ponstel). In a comparison study of ibuprofen and naproxen, both were effective, but the effects of naproxen lasted longer. Naproxen, however, may carry a higher risk for gastrointestinal (GI) effects than ibuprofen. Long-term use of any NSAID can increase the risk for GI bleeding and ulcers. In fact, one 2001 study reported that overuse of NSAIDs for menstrual disorders contributed to iron deficiency anemia due to GI blood loss.

An ulcer is a crater-like lesion on the skin or mucous membrane caused by an inflammatory, infectious, or malignant condition. To avoid irritating an ulcer a person can try eliminating certain substances from their diet such as caffeine, alcohol, aspirin, and avoid smoking. Patients can take certain medicines to suppress the acid in the stomach causing the the erosion of the stomach lining. Endoscopic therapy can be used to stop bleeding from the ulcer.

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Acetaminophen. One study found that acetaminophen (Tylenol) reduces levels of female hormones (gonadotropins and estradiol, an estrogen), which may have some beneficial effect on menstrual disorders. A combination of acetaminophen and pamabrom (Women''s Tylenol Menstrual Relief) is specifically aimed at treating menstrual pain and bloating. (Pamabrom is a diuretic, an agent used to reduce fluid build-up and bloating.) One study suggested that acetaminophen is less effective than NSAIDs for dysmenorrhea, but it does not have the same potentially harmful effects on the gastrointestinal tract.

Oral Contraceptives

Oral contraceptives (OCs), commonly known collectively as "the Pill," contain combinations of an estrogen and a progestin (either a natural progesterone or the synthetic form called progestogen). (Patch Contraceptives are now available in other forms, including patches and vaginal rings, but they may increase the risk for menstrual cramping.)