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medicines that can cause changes in menstrual bleeding

overview

many prescription and non-prescription medicines can affect the menstrual cycle. a few examples are:

  • aspirin and other medicines (called blood thinners) that prevent blood clots.
  • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (nsaids), such as ibuprofen (for example, advil or motrin) and naproxen (for example, aleve).
  • hormonal forms of birth control, such as birth control pills, depo-provera injections, nexplanon implants, and the levonorgestrel iud (mirena).
  • hormone therapy.
  • medicines used to treat cancer (chemotherapy).
  • thyroid medicines.

if you are having changes in menstrual bleeding that you think may be related to medicine use:

  • call the doctor who prescribed the medicine to determine whether this is an expected side effect of this medicine. an appointment may not be needed.
  • if you are taking a medicine not prescribed by a doctor, stop taking it. call your doctor if you feel you need to keep taking the medicine or if you need help to control your symptoms after you stop the medicine.

credits

current as of: september 25, 2023

author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

this information does not replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise, incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. your use of this information means that you agree to the terms of use. learn how we develop our content.

this information does not replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise, incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. your use of this information means that you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy. to learn more about healthwise, visit healthwise.org. © 1995-2022 healthwise, incorporated. healthwise, healthwise for every health decision, and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise, incorporated.

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