Does Ibuprofen Increase Stroke Risk
If youre wondering, Does Ibuprofen increase stroke risk? your answer will depend on a few different health factors. In a recent study published by Medical News Today, ibuprofen increased the risk of stroke by more than three times. Your ibuprofen and stroke risk increases if you have any of the following conditions:
- Personal or family history of stroke or heart attack.
- Clotting disorders such as hemophilia, anemia, etc.
- Medications that negatively affect your bloods ability to clot normally.
- Uterine fibroids or adenomyosis which can cause heavy periods leading to anemia.
The dangers of ibuprofen are still considered to be rare for most people who are not at risk. Consult your physician before taking ibuprofen for menstrual cramps so you can determine the correct dosage and frequency.
When Should We Call The Doctor
If your daughters PMS is severe, her doctor can help with other treatments, including medicine. Call the doctor if your daughter:
- does not feel better after trying home treatments
- seems very sad or hopeless
- ever talks about hurting or killing herself
- cant do her usual activities because of her PMS symptoms
- has PMS symptoms that dont go away after the first few days of her period
Take Steps To Reduce Stress
“Stress affects your body in many ways, including lowering your threshold for pain,” says Dr. Borchardt.
Reducing stress is easier said than done, of course, but taking steps to do so can help you find relief from period cramps.
In addition to exercise, here are several ways to reduce stress:
- Yoga
- Oranges
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Does Taking Ibuprofen For Period Cramps Work
The short answer is yes, taking ibuprofen for period cramps will work. Ibuprofen works by slowing your bodys release of hormones such as prostaglandin. When you produce less prostaglandin, your uterus will shed less which leads to cramps and bleeding.
Before you take ibuprofen for menstrual cramps, you will want to be aware of the quantity, time between doses, and the type of pain reliever you are using. Most ibuprofen pills are 200mg, and doctors typically recommend taking one every four to six hours. You should never exceed 800mg unless discussing with your doctor beforehand. You may be wondering what happens if you exceed the recommended dosage and we want you to know that the answer may vary from person to person depending on your health and family history.
What You Should Know
Menstrual cramps, or period cramps, are not typically caused by any physical abnormality. They instead result from contractions of the uterus as it works to dispel menstrual blood. Those contractions can cause backaches, headaches, nausea and dizziness in addition to the more typical pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis.
Experienced most often by young women in their teens and twenties, cramps usually begin to subside with age and may disappear entirely after childbirth. Women who use intrauterine devices for birth control often experience a notable increase in cramping.
Typically, medical professionals recommend the use of heat , exercise , and non-prescription pain-relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Our Best Medicine for Menstrual Cramps guide will provide you with information on the 10 pain relief products that women prefer for easing the pain of periods.
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Buying Information For Medicine For Menstrual Cramps
While the majority of women experience cramps as a routine part of their monthly period, do be aware that in a small number of cases, something more complex can be in play. If your cramps are severe enough that they prevent you from working, walking or sitting up straight, if severe pain lasts longer than a few days or if you experience cramping when it is not time for your period, do see a physician. He or she may wish to treat you with prescription drugs or birth control pills, which can reduce and control the severity of cramping.
But for routine cramping, choose a product from our Best Medicine for Period Cramps guide and begin using it a day or so before your period is scheduled to start. This prevents the pain from getting ahead of the medicine. Pair your choice of pain-reliever with a cozy heating pad and some rich organic tea like our #9 product and try to take a long walk before going to bed during the first couple of days of your period.
In addition, medical professionals often recommend a few lifestyle changes that have been shown to reduce cramping:
Are There Any Risks To Consider
Ibuprofen may provide some relief in the short term, and it may offer a level of convenience in being available over the counter, but its generally not recommended as a long-term treatment for heavy periods.
Long term use of NSAIDs such as ibuprofen has been linked with kidney disease, blood pressure issues and stomach ulcers. Other common side effects include indigestion, headaches and drowsiness, especially when its taken in higher doses.
Using ibuprofen may not be suitable for people with existing conditions such as liver or kidney disease or stomach ulcers.
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Ibuprofen or other NSAIDs should only be used as a first-line treatment, before discussing longer-term solutions with a medical practitioner.
If heavy and/or painful periods are a consistent issue, there might be an underlying cause. In this case, the evidence suggests ibuprofen does not significantly reduce menstrual flow. So if this is something you struggle with every month, talk to your doctor to find a safe, long-term solution.
There are many evidence-based options available for managing heavy menstrual bleeding in the longer term, such as the oral contraceptive pill or the hormonal IUD. Your doctor can assess your individual circumstances and potential risk factors to see what will be right for you.
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The Research Shows: Nsaids Can Relieve Period Pain
The studies show that NSAIDs were more effective than placebos at relieving period pain:
- 82 out of 100 girls and women who didn’t take NSAIDs still had severe pain after a few hours.
- 51 out of 100 girls and women who took NSAIDs still had severe pain after a few hours.
So the painkillers relieved pain in 31 out of 100 girls and women.
Some studies compared NSAIDs with acetaminophen . They suggest that NSAIDs are a little more effective than acetaminophen at relieving period pain. There’s not enough good research to be able to say whether some NSAIDs are more effective than others.
The studies also show that NSAIDs can sometimes have side effects: 2 to 3 out of 100 girls and women experienced stomach problems, nausea, headaches or drowsiness.
Up The Magnesium In Your Diet To Help Nerve And Muscle Function
Dietary magnesium seems to help ease the pain of cramps, says DeJarra Sims, ND, an assistant professor of naturopathic medicine at Bastyr Universitys California campus in San Diego and the author of Your Healthiest Life Now. A Cochrane review of dietary and other remedies published in 2001 concluded that getting enough magnesium can help relieve pain.
Magnesium is found in many foods and as a supplement if you cant get what you need from your diet. Magnesium helps regulate nerve and muscle functioning, among other vital tasks researchers who evaluated the evidence on magnesium call it a promising treatment for menstrual cramps. But they cannot recommend a specific dose, because researchers have studied various doses. The recommended dietary allowance of magnesium for women of childbearing age is about 320 mg daily. An ounce of dry almonds or one half cup of boiled spinach each has about 80 mg.
Dr. Sims says the dose you may need depends on the severity of your cramps and other factors. Ask your doctor about the best magnesium intake for you.
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Do You Need To See A Doctor
If your menstrual cramps are unusual or severe, or if they last more than a few days, you may want to see your doctor. Painful period cramping is treatable, so anytime you’re worried about your symptoms, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor.
Your doctor may perform a pelvic exam to make sure everything is normal. They may also ask you questions about your menstrual period history, suggest lifestyle modifications, or even recommend and prescribe medicines that may help relieve your painful periods.
Complementary And Alternative Medicine
Some studies have shown that complementary therapies, including massage, acupuncture, and yoga can help alleviate menstrual cramps, but more research is needed.
Other studies show promising results for some women who have taken certain supplements and herbs to treat their cream , but again none seem conclusive enough to endorse as a standalone treatment.
Remember that taking supplements or herbal remedies can cause side effects just like pharmaceutical drugs do. If you seek medical attention for your symptoms, be sure to disclose any and all supplements you take to your healthcare provider.
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Is One Otc Medication Better Than The Others
Since there are so many OTC products available, you might be wondering which to choose. This depends on what symptoms you have and side effects youre looking to avoid.
If you only have menstrual cramps, then a combination product might not be needed. In this case, an individual pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen, can be considered. If youre looking to take the lowest number of pills per day, naproxen might be the right choice as it lasts longer than other OTC pain relievers.
If you have other symptoms besides cramps, such as bloating or fatigue, a combination product may be better. This way you can treat all your symptoms with a single product.
Some combination products contain caffeine. This is the same caffeine thats in caffeinated drinks, like coffee and tea. So it could keep you awake if you take it too close to bedtime. On the other hand, products that contain an antihistamine could cause drowsiness. So keep that in mind if youre looking for a product that you can take during the day.
Pop A Safe Painkiller To Cut The Inflammation
Not everyone wants to turn to medicine to soothe period cramps, but moderate use of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication , such as Advil or Aleve , can help, Palmieri says. Menstrual cramps occur because of local release of substances called prostaglandins, he explains, and NSAIDs lower prostaglandin production and decrease overall inflammation and pain.
Check first with your doctor to be sure NSAIDs are a good choice for you, especially if you have a history of bleeding or kidney issues. And read the label for dosing instructions to be sure you dont accidentally take too many.
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Treatment Of Period Pain
There is a range of medicines you can take to help with period pain.
Pain relief medication: Anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen, mefanamic acid or naproxen stop the body from producing prostaglandins. They are available over the counter from a pharmacy but they may not be suitable for everyone so speak to your pharmacist for advice first. You can also take paracetamol for mild cramps. Stronger pain killers containing codeine are only available with a prescription from a doctor.
Other treatments: Some women find that a heat pack, gentle exercise, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or acupuncture helps control the pain.
Massage Your Tummy With Essential Oils
Research suggests that some essential oils can help ease period cramps when massaged onto the abdomen, especially when used in a blend of oils.
Oils that seem to be most effective at reducing period cramps, due to their ability to boost circulation, include:
- cinnamon
- clove
You can find essential oils online, or at your local health food store. Some drugstores may sell them, too.
Before using essential oils, youll want to mix them with a carrier oil, like coconut oil or jojoba oil. Carrier oils work by safely carrying the essential oil into your skin, and helping to spread the oil over a large area.
Once your oil mixture is ready to use, rub a few drops between your hands and then give your tummy a gentle massage.
Experts say massaging in a circular motion for just five minutes a day before and during your period may help lessen cramps and boost circulation in your abdomen.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen , naproxen , and aspirin are effective treatments for period cramps.
These medications work best if theyre taken at the first sign of cramps or pain.
You can find ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin, at any drugstore. Be sure to take only as directed, and talk to your doctor first if you have a history of heart, liver, or kidney problems, or if you have asthma, ulcers, or bleeding disorders.
recent study , low-to-medium intensity aerobic exercise can help reduce pain caused by period cramps.
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Can Bad Period Cramps Be A Sign Of Something Else
Period cramps usually dont signify that something is wrong with your health. But in some cases they can be a symptom of a medical condition:
- Endometriosis This disorder occurs when tissue similar to the tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus grows outside your uterus, often adhering to your bladder, ovaries, or even your bowels.
- Uterine FibroidsThese are noncancerous growths that emerge inside the uterine walls. They can range in size from one tiny speck to several bulky masses.
- Adenomyosis Tissue that normally lines the uterus begins to grow inside the organs muscle wall.
Pain from these conditions may seem like period pain, but it typically lasts longer and can be more severe than your usual menstrual cramps.
If you experience this type of pain, its important to see your doctor, Thielen says.
Does Ibuprofen Help Menstrual Cramps
How does ibuprofen help menstrual cramps? Menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhea is a devastating problem for some women some women get only a mild pain or no pain at all. Occurrence of menstrual cramps varies with individual woman. Usually it starts one or two days before the initiation of menstruation, peaks within 24 hours after onset of menstruation and goes away after two to three days. The pain is in the lower abdomen can be mild, moderate or severe. Sometimes it radiates to the back or the thighs and can be associated with nausea, vomiting, dizziness and headache.
Some women only get a mild menstrual cramp and it does not affect their day to day activities. Some women get a severe pain which affect their day to day activities therefore its a big problem for them. Ibuprofen relieves menstrual cramps very effectively.
During menstruation the inner lining of the uterine wall gets detach when fertilization doesnt occur. Then those tissues and blood pass down through the vagina as menses. This is a cell injury, so prostaglandins are produced which cause inflammation and pain in the uterus. Prostaglandin induces uterine muscle contractions to expel the cells and blood. Increased levels of prostaglandins cause severe pain.
Ibuprofen blocks the prostaglandin production by inhibiting the COX-1 and COX-2 pathways in the uterus, thereby reduce the pain and hypercontractivity of the uterus.
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