Do aspirin and acetaminophen affect total menstrual loss?
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.
D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000700:Analgesics / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001241:Aspirin / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004412:Dysmenorrhea / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008598:Menstruation / Q000187:drug effects*; D011448:Prostaglandin Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013997:Time Factors
D000700:Analgesics; D011448:Prostaglandin Antagonists; D000082:Acetaminophen; D001241:Aspirin