$Unique_ID{BRK00723}
$Pretitle{Blood and Blood Forming Organs}
$Title{Concern About Aspirin for Menstrual Cramps}
$Subject{clot menses aspirin}
$Volume{D-14}
$Log{
The Menstrual Cycle*0009101.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Concern About Aspirin for Menstrual Cramps


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QUESTION:  I am a woman in my late 30's and during the past several months, if
I take aspirin for cramps before my period, on the second day of my period I
flow very heavily and discharge large blood clots for approximately 2 hours.
If I do not take aspirin, everything is normal.  Do you see any need for
concern about this condition?

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ANSWER:  It is an accepted principle in medicine, that when an undesirable
situation can be linked to the presence of a specific medication, and when the
problem disappears if the medication is discontinued, than the medication is
the logical reason for the problem.  There is no doubt in my mind, that your
excessive flow is directly the result of the presence of aspirin in your
system.  We use aspirin these days to "thin" the blood, and reduce the
possibility of clots and the recurrence of strokes and heart attacks.  The
aspirin affects the function of the platelets in the blood, which in turn play
a part in the clotting mechanism.  It is clear that your increased flow may be
a result of this action, and the formation of large clots may result from then
increased quantity of blood you are losing.  I think the course of action is
clear.  Stop taking aspirin before your monthly cycles, and use another
analgesic for this purpose, if you find you need one.  With the history you
present, a check of your hemoglobin also seems in order, and your physician
can advice you of safe medications for you to take.  There are a number of
other preparations to help with menstrual cramping.
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
