Do aspirin and acetaminophen affect total menstrual loss?

Abstract

Two commonly taken over-the-counter analgesics, aspirin and acetaminophen, were compared for: effect on total menstrual loss, effect on total days of menstruation, and effect in reduction of pain due to headaches and/or menstrual cramps. Drugs were administered during a 4-month study according to a double-blind format. During the first 2 months, subjects ingested no drugs whatsoever during their menstrual periods. During the second 2 months, subjects ingested aspirin, acetaminophen, or placebo at the rate of two 325-mg tablets every 4 h to total 8 tablets per day during the first 3 days of their menstrual periods. Statistical analysis of the first 2 periods compared to the last 2 showed no differences in total menstrual weights. The number of days of menstruation in the placebo group was significantly lower (p = 0.0137) than in its own control or in the other groups. Neither analgesic showed a significant reduction in pain due to headache or cramps, although acetaminophen appeared to be slightly more effective than aspirin in reducing menstrual cramps.

• Authors: P B Pendergrass, L J Ream, J N Scott, M A Agna
• Journal: Gynecologic and obstetric investigation (Gynecol Obstet Invest) Vol. 18 Issue 3 Pg. 129-33 ( 1984) ISSN: 0378-7346 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 6489846 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Analgesics
• Prostaglandin Antagonists
• Acetaminophen
• Aspirin

Topics

• Acetaminophen (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Analgesics (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Aspirin (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Double-Blind Method
• Dysmenorrhea (drug therapy)
• Female
• Headache (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Menstruation (drug effects)
• Prostaglandin Antagonists (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Time Factors