8 Medications to Avoid During Menstruation, Otherwise Be Wary of Life-Threatening Risks
Core Tip: The menstrual period is a special time for women. In addition to proper care and health maintenance, some medications should be discontinued during menstruation to avoid adverse consequences.
There are many taboos during menstruation, and medication is one of them. Many medications are contraindicated during menstruation. Taking these drugs during this time can affect the menstrual cycle, menstrual flow, and other forms of menstrual irregularities, and in severe cases, can even lead to amenorrhea (absence of menstruation).
Sex Hormone Medications
The synthesis and metabolic balance of female sex hormones are closely related to the menstrual cycle. Therefore, sex hormone medications should not be used during menstruation to avoid menstrual irregularities. For example, androgens can lead to decreased menstrual flow, missed periods, and irregular cycles, while progesterone can cause breast tenderness or irregular vaginal bleeding.
Vaginal Topical Medications for Treating Gynecological Infections
Topical solutions, suppositories, and effervescent tablets for treating vaginal inflammation should be paused. During menstruation, the uterine mucosa is congested, the cervical canal is relaxed, and there is accumulated blood in the vagina, creating an environment highly suitable for bacterial growth. If vaginal topical medications are used at this time, it could easily lead to retrograde bacterial invasion of the uterine cavity and endometrium.
Anticoagulant Drugs
Anticoagulant drugs can cause excessive menstrual bleeding, even severe hemorrhage, and should be avoided during menstruation. Examples include coumarin, heparin, and thrombolytic agents.
Weight Loss Medications
Most weight loss medications contain appetite-suppressing ingredients. If used during menstruation, they may lead to menstrual irregularities, increased or difficult urination, or symptoms like palpitations and anxiety. In more severe cases, they can cause amenorrhea.
Traditional Chinese Medicine for Invigorating Blood and Resolving Stasis
These types of drugs not only have anticoagulant and anti-thrombotic effects but also dilate blood vessels and accelerate blood flow, which can result in excessive menstrual bleeding. Examples include Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen), Angelica sinensis (Danggui), Paeonia lactiflora alba (Chi Shao), Ligusticum wallichii (Chuanxiong), Carthamus tinctorius (Honghua), and Pollen Typhae (Pu Huang).
Laxatives
Laxatives such as magnesium sulfate and sodium sulfate have a strong purgative effect and can cause reflex pelvic congestion; therefore, they should be prohibited during menstruation. Other gastrointestinal motility drugs should also be used with caution or avoided.
Thyroid Hormone Preparations Should Not Be Taken During Menstruation
Thyroid hormone preparations can cause menstrual irregularities and should be forbidden during menstruation.
Hemostatic Drugs Should Not Be Taken During Menstruation
Hemostatic drugs like adrenosem and vitamin K can reduce capillary permeability and promote capillary constriction, which can lead to poor menstrual flow. Additionally, traditional Chinese medicines or Chinese patent medicines with strong hemostatic effects should also be used with caution.