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Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

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Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

General health

does anyone take mefenamic acid?

42 replies

Owllady · 02/02/2016 10:16

Do you find it helps?
I've been prescribed it for heavy periods. I had some blood tests doneand i've been waiting for the results before i started taking them, so i started on day 3 and have to take 3 a day

when would you expect to see a difference?

The gp said if no difference i'll have to have a scan.

they've always been heavy but they are beyond ridiculous just lately

OP posts:

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AveEldon · 02/02/2016 10:19

Have you seen a gynae?
They should check if there is something causing your bleeding

Owllady · 02/02/2016 10:25

Like a fibroid?
No, i haven't seen one. Gp wants me to try this first.

OP posts:

AveEldon · 02/02/2016 10:29

yes like fibroids

Genx77 · 02/02/2016 10:31

I had a spell of a few months on them, they weren't great tbh, some reduction in blood flow but not enough. Had a mirena fitted in the end and wish I'd done it years ago.

Owllady · 02/02/2016 10:34

Genx did you have further investigation prior to the mirena?

I think i need to see a gynae too. I'm having a smear next week. I think i might book into the gp and push for a referal at the same time. Not that the thought of anyone messing down there fills me with joy.

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bakingcupcakes · 02/02/2016 10:36

I used to take it for period pain but a half dose (250 I think). It worked really well at first. Then I had my son and went for a repeat prescription. They gave me the full dose as 1 tablet and it gave me terrible stomach pain - worse than the period pain I was taking it for. I never took it again. Don't know if it was the increased dose that was the problem or if pregnancy altered my tolerance in some way. Hope it works for you.

Akire · 02/02/2016 10:38

I was on them most noticeable on heavier days would extend how long you could go without changing. Would notice a difference straight away. Only had to stop because on other medication that clashed more the pity. Hoping menapause here.

Genx77 · 02/02/2016 10:45

Yes owllady, had an internal scan and then a small op to have a look round with a camera, all came back fine I just suffer with extremely heavy periods. I've had no problems or side effects at all with the mirena and wish I'd done it ten years ago instead of suffering so much.

AnneLovesGilbert · 02/02/2016 10:52

I've been taking it for years and it's the one thing that gets me painfree enough to function, go to work, eat, sleep, not be lying in a tiny ball weeping or pacing up and down the stairs all night. I was prescribed it for pain, not to reduce the period though?

I used to take Tranexamic Acid to make the period lighter, which helped as well and no side effects, but thankfully they've got less heavy naturally and the mefanmic helps with the pain.

The doctor said to start taking them the day I'm due, before I start, to give them a chance to work and accumulate. And I sometimes take paracetamol on top when needed.

Wishing you luck OP. Oh, and btw, had a smear test recently and they're SO much better than they used to be. They've changed the equipment, it was a relative breeze.

2ndSopranosRule · 02/02/2016 11:26

I'm sensitive to ibuprofen so can't take it. According to my GP, I should be able to "put up with the side effects for the benefits". I can't be spending all night in the toilet thanks very much: I have a job and things to be doing.

My GP subscribes to the put up and shut up school of managing periods. Since another baby's out of the question, I'm actually looking forward to menopause.

balletgirlmum · 02/02/2016 11:28

My dd does.

Took a while to kick in first time & if she misses the first day she floods but it's allowing her to have some semblance of s normal teen girl life.

Catphrase · 02/02/2016 11:33

Amazing stuff! Didn't work for me on flow but does on the migraines I get before and the crippling period pain.
I take half a dose as it knocks me out, so I'd sooner a tiny bit of pain and be awake.

SuburbanRhonda · 02/02/2016 11:39

I was on it but it didn't help much - switch to Cerazette progesterone-only pill (now called Cerelle) ten years ago and haven't had a period since

NeuNewNouveau · 02/02/2016 11:48

Yes I have been taking it for a few years. When I took it on its own I only noticed a slight difference to flow ( as well as pain reduction) but after a few months added tranexamic acid too and combined they do make a real difference to my periods.

WipsGlitter · 02/02/2016 11:49

I am about to start taking this supposedly to reduce the flow. Am not optimistic and if it makes you tired then that will be awful.

Do you just take in on the days of your period.

GP has referred me on and says they will try and persuade me to have the mirena but I have read so many negative stories about it's effect on mental health that i really don;t want to go down that route.

NeuNewNouveau · 02/02/2016 11:53

Yes I only take it at ovulation time if I have pains and for the first few days of my period. I take the tranexamic acid for the first 4 days of my period too. The rest of the month I take nothing.
Mefanamic acid does not make me drowsy or have any side effects for me so you may be fine.

2ndSopranosRule · 02/02/2016 12:35

Should probably say I've tried it and it made not one jot of difference, apart from making me feel drunk and very poorly.

Owllady · 02/02/2016 20:01

Neunew, do you mind me asking why you take it mid month?
Thank you for all your help. Can I ask how you space them through the day? It doesn't say on the box, just says tale up to three times. I took one at ten as it was the first time I ate anything. Lunch seemed too close to breakfast, so I took one with tea at 7. It does seem to have helped. I have managed to even walk the dogs without flooding and I went 3 hours without having to change protection, which is unheard of.

OP posts:

balletgirlmum · 02/02/2016 20:13

You are supposed to take them with meals as they shouldn't be taken on an empty stomach. Dd has them at 7am, 12noon & 6pm

Owllady · 02/02/2016 20:15

Yes, I think I may have to eat something earlier to fit in three :)

OP posts:

balletgirlmum · 02/02/2016 20:16

If dd can't eat a full meal at a usual time for some reason she has a banana.

Owllady · 02/02/2016 20:20

Thank you balletgirl :) I could force an actimel and a banana for an early breakfast!

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MrsHooolie · 03/02/2016 01:07

I have been taking starflower oil (borage oil) for period pain since I came off hormonal contraception and it has changed my life. I take two a day every day of the month. My Mum suffered all her life til she had a hysterectomy,no Mirena coils back then.
I had a Mirena which was good for getting rid of my periods but had it removed for other reasons.
i used to puke with the cramps but now they have gone since the supplements. I still feel bloated and that my womb will fall out at any moment though.

Millionsmom · 03/02/2016 04:44

Yup, they made my life liveable again!
My periods were so heavy I couldn't leave the house for days 2 and 3. All I could do was sit in a chair, on a towel and wait for day 4. When I started taking it, it was like someone had turn the tap off. It was amazing. It never made me feel sick just more human!
Then the glorious menopause kicked in 😀.

Owllady · 03/02/2016 08:04

That is exactly what i have been like millions mum. Anyway i am on day 2 of taking it and my period is barely here!

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