when to start pre-loading painkillers

[foursimplewords]

My period is due on Monday. I want to try pre-loading ibuprofen this month to help reduce the prostaglandins/pain. When should I start taking it?

[luthien]

Hi I started doing the same for my last period. I think it definitely took the edge off it, although I felt a bit out of it on the first day of my period, kind of like I knew the pain was there but the painkillers made my brain feel a bit fluffy. I have to take ibuprofen with food otherwise I get a bad stomach; I think that's on the recommendations on how to take it.

My specialist advised ibuprofen full dose four days before period and then on the first day of full flow combine full dose ibuprofen with full dose paracetamol for three days - this is perfectly safe as they don't react with each other and do target different sorts of pain; cramps and inflammation - both are kind of needed for relief of period pain.

The ibuprofen my specialist only recommended to take up to 7 days continuously, if it's needed longer it should be prescribed so the docs can record long term side effects specific to the individual.

Hope it helps xx

[foursimplewords in reply to luthien]

thank you, I best go stock up!

[luthien in reply to foursimplewords]

You might only be able to get two packs of one or two of each or hopefully two of both at any one time from the shops; some are picky about how many you can get!

I used standard 200mg ibuprofen; two tablets four times a day (first four days) and the 500mg paracetamol; two tablets four times a day at the same time as ibuprofen (next three days).

If you use any other painkillers at any other points for endo pain or anything else, it may be a good idea to check which can be taken together first.