Credits: Social Media
Gynecologist backs period hack that can reduce cramps and blood flow by 30%
A gynecologist has given legs to a TikTok hack for reducing the havoc of your period, saying it can reduce blood flow by up to 30%.
Anyone with women in their lives will undoubtedly know that the menstrual cycle is a rollercoaster of emotions, hormones, and desperate hacks like the pickle juice trend. It might be one of the most natural bodily processes, but that doesn’t help the women who are toiling in pain month after month.
Ibuprofen will be your best friend, the gynecologist said
While some lifestyle changes could aid you through your time of the month, sleeping more and switching up your diet is not going to dull your pain in the moment. With that in mind, some TikTokers have shared their routine, and it turns out it’s gynecologist-approved.
Reacting to a clip about the period hack, Dr Molly McBride (@drmollymcbride) said “See what happens when you listen to a doctor” as she walked her followers through the routine.
“On average, you can reduce your menstrual flow by about 30% and significantly reduce cramps by taking Ibuprofen twice a day for two days before your period starts,” she explained. “When you get your period, your body produces a hormone called Prostaglandin, which causes cramping and helps your uterus shed its lining.”
Drugs like Ibuprofen have been shown to reduce the production of Prostaglandin, which means less bleeding and less intense cramps. Other anti-inflammatory pain medications could include diclofenac and naproxen.
Of course, if feel as though your periods are considerably worse than other women around you, it’s important to consult your doctor.
Women shared their own solutions in the comments
Since posting earlier this year, the doctor’s video has sparked 4 million views and nearly 400k likes. In the comments, many celebrated the hack while sharing solutions of their own.
“Wait&my doc said to NOT take ibuprofen on a regular basis,” one person said, to which the doctor said, “Its not that much as long as you dont have GI issues.”
“So what then happens to the lining that doesnt get shed as it naturally supposed to,” another questioned, though Dr Molly McBride said that it reduces the size of the lining, meaning there’s less to shed.
Sharing their own solution, one person said: “Drinking raspberry leaf tea actually did this for me. My flow is lighter and shorter.”
