Can Ibuprofen Stop your Period for a Few Hours – Expert Guidance
Those cramps, those crippling days in bed, and those unruly hormones – Oh, the monthly ordeal!
As much as we would love to have it easy, menstruation is a very important part of our life. It is something we make peace with because, despite the pain, regular periods indicate good health. But, what if you have a major event to attend such as a wedding and you know the date is clashing with your cycle? It definitely is panic city from there! You don’t know what to do or how to look happy during the event when you are clearly suffering. How about a trip to the beach? How bad will it be while you are on your period? We do not want to imagine!
If you start searching for answers, you will find that Ibuprofen comes up very often. Many people have relied on this anti-inflammatory drug to postpone their periods. But, is it safe? Does it actually help? We have all the answers for you!
Can Ibuprofen stop your period for a few hours?
We won’t beat around the bush. Ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory drugs can indeed postpone your period. They have properties that enable them to do so. However, you should remember that this drug can only postpone periods for a maximum of 2 days.
Along with stopping periods, a few women take Ibuprofen to reduce heavy flow. Does it work in this case? Yes and no. We say so because it can only help you to a certain extent. It is capable of reducing the flow by only 20% and that too for a short-term. You cannot rely on Ibuprofen to always help you with the flow. Having said that, please note that Ibuprofen works wonders for cramps. You can take it to reduce the pain!
How do anti-inflammatory drugs work?
Ibuprofen and other similar drugs work to curb the production of a chemical called prostaglandins. These chemicals usually shed the uterine lining by causing the uterus to contract. When their production goes down, periods are automatically postponed.
Should you Really Take a Large Dose for Ibuprofen to Work?
Yes, you should. 800 mg of Ibuprofen needs to be taken every 6 hours. You cannot afford to miss the dosage because the moment you do so, your uterine lining will start shedding and you will get your period.
Is This Safe?
Now, this is where the debate starts. Just because something works does not mean you take it blindly, over the counter, without consultation. Even though it is easily available, Ibuprofen is a drug and can have consequences if you just keep popping the pills. That is why you should consult your doctor before trying anything. He/she will be able to tell you if it is safe for you and what the right dosage is for you.
When it comes to medication, cases change. What’s good for you completely depends on your health conditions, your uterine health, etc. If something is advisable for someone, you can’t take that for granted. It may not be advisable for you at all. That’s why stay safe and speak to your doctor for a prescription.
We never have and never will recommend that use of drugs to alter the course of natural processes but one-time exceptions can be made under doctor’s advice. Ibuprofen can help you in the short run, but please do not make it a habit.
