Women menstruate for 4-7 days a month until they reach menopause.

Periods for a woman can be debilitating. It comes with a host of symptoms that include but are not limited to pain, bloating and other stomach issues.

It is important to avoid medications that can have a harmful effect while women are menstruating. According to research, the following are to be avoided to have a healthier, comparatively pain-free period:

1. Contraceptives: 

The bleeding that occurs while women are on the hormonal pill is technically referred to as “withdrawal bleeding”. The drop in hormone level results in the endometrial shedding. When you have withdrawal bleeding, the resultant blood tends to be lighter than normal menstrual bleeding.  

Bleeding and spotting may occur outside of the usual menstrual window. However, oral contraceptives are also taken as a therapeutic intervention for heavy periods.

Certain female hormonal tablets such as Meprate help to regulate ovulation and are used as contraceptives but they can have effects on the menstrual cycle. Symptoms of the tablet include spotting, abnormal vaginal discharge, breast tenderness and bruising of veins.  

Emergency contraceptives or the morning after pill also affect the menstrual cycle. Most women get their period much sooner than anticipated upon taking the pill. Sometimes their period lasts longer than usual. The emergency contraceptive pill works by blocking or delaying ovulation. This, in turn, affects the menstrual cycle. Other symptoms of it can include untimely bleeding, dizziness, breast tenderness, nausea, diarrhoea, and fatigue. 

2. Aspirin: 

Painful menstrual cramps are experienced by almost all women at some point in their lives. This results in the ingestion of pain medication. Some commonly available tablets are Aspirin and SpasmoProxyvon.  

Aspirin is widely renowned for being a blood thinner. This property of the medication makes it a less ideal pain management tablet. However, it has been recognised as a remedy for pain for more than 100 years. Popping the tablet during menstruation can result in a heavier flow which can tend to be quite messy since it prevents platelet aggregation.

Aspirin has also known to shorten the cycle length and the luteal phase duration.

Other symptoms of aspirin include hearing loss, severe dizziness, drowsiness, fast breathing, gastrointestinal ulcers.

 Some natural alternatives to pain medication are ginger, dark chocolate, turmeric, and Omega 3 Fish oil.

these natural substances offer the benefits that aspirin has without the risks associated with it.

3. Ibuprofen:

Anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen and Naproxen are commonly taken to counter menstrual cramps by reducing the production of Prostaglandin.

Prostaglandin is what makes the uterus contract and shed the uterine lining.

This tablet has the opposite effect as that of Aspirin. It is great at managing pain but results in the clotting of menstrual blood. The tablet can slow the flow of menstrual blood by 10 to 20 per cent. Women are known to experience heavy flow when they have their period. However, at times, the period is longer and heavier. This condition is known as “Menorrhagia”

Prolonged use of Ibuprofen has been linked to the development of Deep Vein Thrombosis (higher clotting risk) and pulmonary embolisms in women.

It is advisable to resort to other pain relief options.

Other symptoms of ibuprofen include tinnitus, severe dizziness, diarrhoea, fast breathing, blurred vision, and heartburn.

• Healthier ways to alleviate pain during periods:

Improved diet: Research has shown that a healthy diet with reduced fat and increased proteins help to ease monthly cramps. It is important to have fish, nuts and fibre-rich foods in one's diet.

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Safe Painkiller: A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory tablet is recommended for menstrual cramps. Although, care is advised in case there is a history of bleeding or any kidney issues.

Herbal Tea: Herbal teas like green tea infused with chamomile or peppermint ease pain due to cramping. Herbs like lavender also act like estrogen in the body and help to manage pain.

Massage: Massages with diluted essential oils during the menstrual cycle reduce stomach cramps. Localised massage for the naval area can also ease the uterine contractions.

Hot water bath: A heating pad or a hot water bath can be used as pain management techniques. A hot water bottle on the abdomen can also alleviate pain caused by cystitis.

Exercise: Exercise helps to boost endorphins and improve moods. They also help to chase period pain away. Women the world over swear by the dual benefits of vigorous exercise.

Magnesium: Dietary magnesium has been known to ease period pain. If the food that is being ingested lacks magnesium, supplements can be taken. Foods like spinach and almonds have high magnesium contents.

4. Antidepressants and Antipsychotics:

There has been evidence to show that women have experienced irregularities in their cycle while there are on a course of antidepressants. Antipsychotics- that are used to treat severe mental imbalances have also shown to affect a woman's menstrual cycle. They increase the production of prolactin. Menstruation plays an important role in the life of all women. It is important to analyse the effects some drugs might have and assess the course of treatments for psychotic disorders accordingly.

Other symptoms of antidepressants: Nausea, weight gain, insomnia, drowsiness, constipation.

Other symptoms of antipsychotics: Muscle spasms, weight gain, dry mouth, blurred vision.

5. Steroids

 Any medication that involves hormone-like steroids can influence the menstrual cycle. Both Anabolic steroids and Corticosteroids have side effects on women.

Women of child-bearing age have known to develop menstrual irregularities upon taking steroids.

Injections of corticosteroids are absorbed into the circulation and result in menstrual irregularities.

Other symptoms of anabolic steroids involve oiliness, cysts, high cholesterol, acne, and behavioural changes.

Other symptoms of corticosteroids are mood swings, weakened bones, flushed face, and high blood pressure.

It is relatively normal for the flow to change from one month to the next, however, if the changes are stark and quite noticeable, it might be cause for worry. Extrinsic and intrinsic factors- like stress levels, diet, lifestyle, obesity, sleep patterns all play a role in the menstrual cycle of a woman.