Can Ibuprofen Stop Your Period?

You may have wondered, can ibuprofen stop your period from happening and/or decrease the amount of menstrual bleeding? Let’s talk about it.

By Dr. Kenosha Gleaton

What Is Ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, tenderness, swelling, and/or inflammation. It is commonly sold under brand names Advil®, Midol®, and Motrin®.[1]

Ibuprofen for the Menstrual Cycle

You may have used an over-the-counter ibuprofen medication such as Midol® to help relieve period cramps, migraine headaches, or other menstrual cycle symptoms. Some women have reported noticing other changes in their menstrual cycle after taking ibuprofen, such as delayed or lessened bleeding.

Because of these anecdotal reports, many women have started turning to ibuprofen when they want to reduce bleeding or delay their period a few days.

But is this actually safe and effective?

What Medical Professionals Have to Say

Let’s face it—there is a lot of misinformation out on the internet. It’s hard to know what to believe. So we decided to ask the experts.

While there can be a 1-2 day menstrual cycle delay in people taking ibuprofen, evidence that it stops the menstrual cycle is lacking. A delayed period is due to prevention of prostaglandin release, a substance responsible for uterine shedding.

This means that ibuprofen may put off your period by a day or two, but it won’t stop it completely from coming.

Scientific Research on Ibuprofen and Menstrual Bleeding

If you’re a woman who experiences heavy periods, you may still be asking, “But will ibuprofen reduce menstrual bleeding when my period does arrive?”

The answer is yes. It could. But, it may not be the safest or most effective option.

A recent study of premenopausal women at the University of North Carolina Department of Medicine found that while ibuprofen was more effective than placebo at reducing heavy menstrual bleeding, it was not as effective as other prescription medications such as tranexamic acid (Cyklokapron®) and the Mirena® intrauterine device (IUD).[3]

Potential Risks of Using Ibuprofen to Stop or Delay a Period

Ibuprofen is available over-the-counter, so many people assume it is safe. But, there are potential risks and side effects.

Using ibuprofen to reduce or lessen the menstrual cycle is fairly low risk. However, excessive ibuprofen consumption may lead to kidney, cardiovascular, or gastrointestinal issues.[1.2]

Side effects of occasional ibuprofen use are typically minimal, but may include: [2]:

• Dizziness
• Nervousness
• Ringing in the ears
• Constipation
• Bloating or gas

Long-term use of ibuprofen can lead to ulcers that could cause stomach or intestinal bleeding. While this side effect is most common with frequent use, it can occur at any time during ibuprofen treatment without warning.[1]

Using ibuprofen to alter your menstrual cycle may potentially disrupt your normal hormonal patterns. While it may delay or reduce bleeding temporarily, it's not a professionally recommended method for manipulating the menstrual cycle.[2]

Alternative Ways to Safely Stop Your Period From Arriving

If you’re looking for safe ways to reduce menstrual bleeding or delay aunt flow’s arrival by a few days, you’re not alone. Many women seek to stop, lessen, or delay their menstrual cycle.

Some common reasons include:

• Painful periods
• Heavy bleeding
• Anemia or iron deficiency
• Preparation for fertility treatments
• Vacation plans
• Intimacy plans

Significant events like weddings or honeymoons

Fortunately, there are alternatives to ibuprofen. While it is always important to discuss medications with your provider, some common ways that women stop or modify their menstrual cycle include:

• Exclusively breastfeeding for at least six months
• Birth control pills
• Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
• Birth control shots
• Other prescription medications
• Herbal remedies such as cinnamon, ginger, red raspberry leaf, mugwort, chasteberry, etc.

Each of the methods mentioned above may come with its own list of risks and side effects. It is important to educate yourself on your options and talk with your healthcare team to find the method that may be best for you.

You can also support your body in maintaining a healthy menstrual cycle with certain vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and Vitamin B6. Natalist offers all of these, along with other prenatal and postnatal supplements.

What to Do When You Want to Stop or Delay Your Period

It is totally understandable if you want to stop or delay your period from time to time. Many people want to stop or delay cycles temporarily for a significant event or upcoming vacation. If you’re interested in delaying or stopping your cycle, talk to your healthcare provider regarding which option may work best for you.

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