Effect of Small Doses of Aspirin and Acetaminophen on Total Menstrual Loss and Pain of Cramps and Headache

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Abstract
Ninety women participated in a 4-mo. study. During the first 2 periods, they took no pain relievers whatsoever, during their last 2 periods they took 2 .times. 325 mg aspirin, acetaminophen [analgesic agents] or an identically packaged placebo every 4 h to total 8 tablets during the first 24 h of their periods beginning with spotting. For statistical analysis, periods 1 and 2 were combined and averaged, then compared with periods 3 and 4 combined and averaged. Total menstrual loss in grams, number of days of flow, and pain of cramp and headaches were analyzed by MANOVA [multiple analysis of variance] for each of the 3 treatment groups. An ANOVA [analysis of variance] for each of these variables as well as for daily menstrual loss for the first 3 menstrual days was also performed. The MANOVA for all variables by the 3 treatment groups failed to show any significant differences. Similarly, ANOVA for the individual variables failed to indicate significant differences except for the variable pain of cramps (P = 0.0072). The Duncan''s Multiple Range Test for pain of cramps showed that the average pain for the the placebo group was higher than for either the aspirin or the acetaminophen group, although the means for these 2 groups were not significantly different. These results indicate that neither aspirin nor acetaminophen in the doses given alter either total menstrual loss or the pattern of loss during the first 3 menstrual days. Both preparations were more effective than placebo in reducing pain of cramps. [Fibrinolytic effect of aspirin was investigated.].

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