|
|
Post by Chips on Jun 6, 2015 13:46:14 GMT
A few months ago I had my annual pap and wellness checkup and asked my doctor if I could take birth control pills to skip my period while I am camping with Cub Scouts for 4 four days. Believe me you do not want to deal with Aunt Flo in those conditions because I know 1000% for sure since I got my period at Boy Scout Camp and it was awful!!!!
So, going on birth control pills was delayed until the doctor got some follow up tests back and everything checked out ok. I started the pills yesterday and I leave for camp on this Thursday. My doctor mentioned that the birth control pills may not stop my period which is due to start on Wednesday but she said I could take 600 mg of ibuprofen 3 times a day to lighten it.
Well last night my hot flashes started indicating Aunt Flo is on her way. Has anyone had success with using ibuprofen to lighten their period? I plan on continuing the birth control pills and starting the ibuprofen on Tuesday. I'll also pack a stash of tampons and pads in case this does not work.
Wah, I just wish my period would go away!!! |
|
YooHoot
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,432 
|
Post by YooHoot on Jun 6, 2015 13:48:38 GMT
Never heard of ibuprofen doing that. My advice....get an IUD.
|
|
Peamac
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea # 418
Posts: 4,229
|
Post by Peamac on Jun 6, 2015 13:52:18 GMT
When I've had "crime scene" type periods, I've used Ibuprofen (I was surprised at the high dosage recommended by the ob/gyn), pineapple juice (that really helped!), and I think black cohosh to help lighten it. I know when I first went on BC 25 years ago when I got married, the dr said it could take a few months to regulate my period, but BC pills may have changed since then.
|
|
|
|
Post by pjaye on Jun 6, 2015 13:57:57 GMT
No, using a non steroidal anti inflammatory (NSAID) never lightened my period at all.
I did use to take it for PMS symptoms and cramping, ideally you need to start taking it 2 days before your period starts and take it regularly for the first few days as well.
It did used to help reduce my symptoms and cramping, but I never noticed my period was any lighter.
It is thought to help inhibit prostaglandins and reduce swelling of the uterus and cramps.
It also isn't 'regular' ibuprofen, the one taken for PMS symptoms is actually Mefenamic acid which is called Ponstan here but according to google is marketed in the USA as Ponstel. It is OTC here, not sure about the USA though.
It's worth a try and won't do any harm (esp as your doctor has said it is OK for you to try), but as I said, it never worked to lighten my periods even after several months of use.
|
|
|
|
Post by moveablefeast on Jun 6, 2015 14:05:52 GMT
While your individual mileage may vary, what my OB told me was that ibuprofen inhibits prostaglandins and will slow bleeding. The effect is probably more measurable in some women than in others. It works like a charm for me - I was surprised that something as basic as Motrin would have so significant an effect on my monthly crime scene. It doesn't exactly turn the torrent into a trickle, but it does make things a lot more manageable for me.
The birth control will take some time to have an impact on your periods and might not have as much effect as you'd like on the first period while taking it.
|
|
GiantsFan
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,456
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
|
Post by GiantsFan on Jun 6, 2015 14:45:52 GMT
Way back when, my previous Gyn prescribed me 900mg of ibuprofen to lighten my flow. She said it constricts the blood flow. It didn't stop it completely but the gusher was reduced to a manageable trickle.
|
|
|
|
Post by maryland on Jun 6, 2015 14:49:39 GMT
While your individual mileage may vary, what my OB told me was that ibuprofen inhibits prostaglandins and will slow bleeding. The effect is probably more measurable in some women than in others. It works like a charm for me - I was surprised that something as basic as Motrin would have so significant an effect on my monthly crime scene. It doesn't exactly turn the torrent into a trickle, but it does make things a lot more manageable for me. The birth control will take some time to have an impact on your periods and might not have as much effect as you'd like on the first period while taking it. What exactly did you take (Motrin?), how much and how often? That sounds like a good tip to have on hand! |
|
|
|
Post by trainscrapper on Jun 6, 2015 15:03:24 GMT
Never heard of ibuprofen doing that. My advice....get an IUD.  Best thing I ever did. I always had issues with mine. Wished I would have done it sooner. |
|
|
|
Post by moveablefeast on Jun 6, 2015 15:51:56 GMT
While your individual mileage may vary, what my OB told me was that ibuprofen inhibits prostaglandins and will slow bleeding. The effect is probably more measurable in some women than in others. It works like a charm for me - I was surprised that something as basic as Motrin would have so significant an effect on my monthly crime scene. It doesn't exactly turn the torrent into a trickle, but it does make things a lot more manageable for me. The birth control will take some time to have an impact on your periods and might not have as much effect as you'd like on the first period while taking it. What exactly did you take (Motrin?), how much and how often? That sounds like a good tip to have on hand! 4 800mg doses of Motrin a day from the day before to the second or third day depending - this is a prescription dose. You probably want to check with your doctor before you do that because it's a giant dose  |
|
Best thing I ever did. I always had issues with mine. Wished I would have done it sooner.