Experts have warned that excessive use of some common painkillers, even those sold without a prescription, may be linked to temporary changes in hormones and reproductive function in men and women.
Ibuprofen is one of the most commonly used painkillers, and some people rely on it daily for weeks or months without realizing that repeated use may carry risks that go beyond the drug's known side effects.
An American study showed that young men who took the maximum daily dose of ibuprofen for six weeks experienced an increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, along with a decrease in the ratio of testosterone to LH.
The study described these changes as compensated hypogonadism, a condition in which the body tries to maintain testosterone levels within the normal range despite stress on testicular function.
Mike Kochs, founder of Balance My Hormones, explained that this condition may not cause obvious symptoms at first, because the body compensates for the imbalance by increasing hormonal signals that stimulate the testicles to function.
Kochs said the problem is that if the body continues to make this compensatory effort for a long time, it may reduce its ability to maintain hormonal balance.
The concerns were not limited to men, as a separate clinical study investigated the effect of three non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – diclofenac, naproxen, and etoricoxib – on women when taken for 10 days in the middle of their menstrual cycle.
The study showed a significant decrease in ovulation rates, reaching approximately 93% in those taking diclofenac and about 75% in those taking naproxen, along with a marked drop in progesterone levels. Ovulation returned to normal after discontinuing the medications.
Kochs emphasized that ovulation depends on a delicate balance of hormones and prostaglandins, substances whose production is inhibited by some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). He added that this mechanism makes the study's findings particularly relevant when considering the frequent use of these medications in women.
The UK's National Health Service (NHS) guidelines warn against the use of certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in women who are trying to conceive or are pregnant, with recommendations varying depending on the type of drug and the stage of pregnancy.
Kochs stressed that taking ibuprofen occasionally to treat headaches or muscle pain does not necessarily mean there is a risk, noting that the concern relates especially to regular or long-term use.
People who need to take ibuprofen daily should consult a pharmacist or doctor, and they should not stop taking any prescribed medication without consulting their doctor. Paracetamol can be used to treat many everyday pains as needed, depending on the condition and medical advice.
The experts also urged anyone who notices symptoms related to low testosterone or changes in the menstrual cycle to consult a doctor and undergo appropriate tests to determine the cause, rather than assuming that painkillers are the cause.
