Re: PMS and Fibroids/PONSTAN

[Guest guest]

HI ROBIN,

JUST READ YOUR E-MAIL ABOUT PONSTAN. SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE. NEVER

HEARD OF IT, IS IT A DRUG? IT'S NOT A NATURAL THING I ASSUME. PLEASE LET ME

KNOW. I WOULD JUMP TO GET IT........

ANNIE, NY

[Guest guest]

Annie:

Ponstan is in the NSAID family (Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory)-- as are

drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen (e.g., MOTRIN, ADVIL), and others.

So it has the same anti-inflammatory properties, and the same analgesic

(pain-relieving) properties as the over-the-counter products mentioned above.

As I understand it, it works by inhibiting prostaglandins (which cause

menstrual cramping) --and probably helps with PMS, the way the other NSAIDS

do.

But just like aspirin and ibuprofen, it can cause GI problems.

-Roma

[Guest guest]

Original Message:

-----------------

From: Femsingerny@...

Date: Sun, 26 May 2002 14:33:30 EDT

To: uterinefibroids

Subject: Re: PMS and Fibroids/PONSTAN

I was on Ponstan too but didn't find that it helped with the bleeding. When I

had really bad pain it didn't do too much either. It is a nonsteroidal

antiinflammatory drug. One book on prescription drugs that I have says not to

take it for more than one week at a time (altho the doc in Scotland who

prescribed it for me gave me three weeks' worth).

HI ROBIN,<BR>

JUST READ YOUR E-MAIL ABOUT PONSTAN. SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE. NEVER <BR>

HEARD OF IT, IS IT A DRUG? IT'S NOT A NATURAL THING I ASSUME. PLEASE LET ME <BR>

KNOW. I WOULD JUMP TO GET IT........<BR>

ANNIE, NY<BR>

--------------------------------------------------------------------

mail2web - Check your email from the web at

http://mail2web.com/ .

[Guest guest]

ROMA,

THANKS SO MUCH FOR ANWERING. BUT DOES THE PONSTAN DECREASE YOUR BLEEDING? I

THOUGHT I UNDERSTOOD THAT FROM YOU. AND IF YES, WHEN DO YOU TAKE IT? YOU

CAN'T POSSIBLY TAKE IT EVERY DAY OF THE MONTH, RIGHT?

THANKS AGAIN,

ANNIE, NY

[Guest guest]

Dear Annie:

Let me say, first off, that I have never taken Ponstan--so I can't vouch for

its efficacy one way or the other.

But this is what I do know.

NSAIDs (like Aspirin, Ibuprofin), work by blocking enymes that synthesize

prostaglandins. They help with pain, inflammation and clotting. I would

think that applies to menstrual clotting as well. But, my understanding is

that all NSAIDs (Aspirin, especially) thin the blood. So, for a heavy

bleeder, I presume this could only exacerbate the problem, by increasing

menstrual flow--even if, at the same time it may help to minimize clots. (Not

a great tradeoff, is it?)

In fact, before any type of surgical procedure or endoscopy, patients are

prohibited from taking any NSAIDs for 10 days or so prior to the day of the

procedure due to NSAIDs' tendency to cause excessive bleeding. (Tylenol, not

being an NSAID is, however, fine.)

Also, as beneficial as these drugs are, their usage has to be monitored.

Many patients do take them every day for conditions such as arthritis. But,

the same enzymes that work against prostaglandins also work at destroying the

stomach lining. So taken daily, they could lead to gastrointestinal

problems.

Bottom line, I think Ponstan greatest value would be for PMS -- and then

definitely for any cramping either prior to or during the actual menstrual

period.

But for the most of the other discomfort we women with fibroids face, I don't

see how it could do a whole heck of a lot.

But as for cramps: On a personal note, I haven't had problems with menstrual

cramps for ages thanks to the following regimen I take 200 mg. of ibuprofen

(WITH FOOD) twice a day faithfully 4 or so days PRIOR to my expected period.

Helps with my PMS achiness, and also builds up the level of

antiprostaglandins, so that when my period comes, cramps are minimal. Then I

continue taking for the first couple of days of my period, as well. But,

bear in mind, I don't have problems with heavy bleeding.

Hope that helps!

-Roma