Anti-inflammatory medicines
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These are popular as they also ease period pain. Most are available only on prescription but you can buy ibuprofen from pharmacies. These medicines reduce the blood loss by about a third (20-50%) in most cases. You need to take the tablets for a few days each period. They work by reducing the high level of prostaglandin in the uterus lining which seems to contribute to heavy periods. The heaviness of the bleeding and pain are eased, but the number of days the period lasts is not reduced. Side-effects may include an upset stomach. If you have a history of a duodenal or stomach ulcer, or asthma, you should only take these medicines on a doctor's advice.
Where to next?
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What are the treatment options for heavy periods?
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What are the treatment options for PMS?
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Some newer treatments that show promise
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Treatments that your doctor may prescribe
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What are the symptoms of PMS?
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What causes PMS?
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Painful periods (dysmenorrhoea)
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Primary dysmenorrhoea
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What are the treatment options for primary dysmenorrhoea?
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Secondary dysmenorrhoea
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Premenstrual syndrome


