Anyone been prescribed NSAIDS (ibuprofen) for heavy periods?

[GreenMini]

Suffering very heavy, clotty and prolonged periods due to fibroids.

Been given Tranexamic Acid by GP which works to some extent but can only take for 4 days in any one period.

My own research suggests that ibuprofen can also be effective in reducing blood loss. Surprised GP didn't mention this as it seems to be a fairly mainstream treatment and can be taken alongside TA. No contraindications in my medical history.

I don't know what the recommended dose is though... normal painkilling doses, or a reduced dose - and for what duration? Does anyone know what is usually recommended?

(Yes, I am I'm waiting for a gynae referral too - but in the mean time, work & life is quite hard to manage with such heavy and frequent bleeding).

I take max dose ibuprofen every period and it really helps. Just have to be careful to take it with food because it's hard on your stomach!

Yes I am aware of that. When DB had gastritis he was advised to steer clear. How long do you take it for, the entire period?

Dd has mefanemic acid which you can apparently take along w transexamic acid.

Actually NSAIDS are avoided when there is been heavy bleeding so you should check this with your GP

It does help op.

But I hope they are treating the fibroids too and not just fobbing you off.

It helps me. I only take it when I get really bad cramps it usually means I will then have a huge blood loss, and it does seem to lessen it. I haven't been prescribed them for it. I too have fibroids, polyps and am waiting for a hysterectomy (age 51).

I was prescribed ponstan which is mefenamic acid and that really helped me.

I am waiting for a gynaecologist referral but god knows how long that will take.
GP says I am probably not suitable for a Mirena (usual first line treatment) because of the fibroids and the fact my previous one self-expelled, but Gynae may disagree.

What's your source for this @ChickpeaPie ?
NHS webpages say different.

This is not true.

I have taken both tranexamic and mefanamic acid (not together) and found both to be much more effective than ibuprofen. No harm in taking it alongside the tranexamic acid if you need it though!

I took tranexamic aciid, mefenamic acid (NSAID) and prescription strength co-codamol for mine. Also had to take omeprazole to protect stomach from the Tranexamic acid and mefenamic acid!

Turns out I have an extremely bulky uterus filled with adenomyosis, so I am just waiting for a date for a hysterectomy (and can't bloody wait!)

Depends very much on the mechanism of bleeding. NSAIDs are routinely used to reduce menstrual bleeding. They’re avoided though in other causes of blood loss though like major trauma/gastric bleeding/where there’s platelet dysfunction.