As some women experience significant discomfort in the days prior to their menstrual period, a new trend on TikTok has emerged, promising relief through a combination of over-the-counter medications. This regimen involves taking an antihistamine, such as Claritin or Zyrtec, alongside Pepcid AC, a heartburn medication.
For Terese Hansen from Omaha, Nebraska, who has battled persistent nausea, heartburn, and fluctuating body temperatures for years, this sounded like worth a shot. She felt miserable, particularly around her menstrual cycle, often withdrawing from social interactions because she knew she was difficult to be around.
Impressed by the testimonials on TikTok, especially those addressing premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), Hansen sought her doctor’s advice before attempting the combination herself. After trying it out, she felt an immediate transformation, with her symptoms and mood notably improved.
“It was nuts,” she recalled. “My kids noticed, my boyfriend noticed. My boss noticed.”
The claim
Many TikTok users claim that this combination helps reduce irritability and boost energy levels related to their menstrual cycles or similar perimenopausal symptoms.
The evidence
However, there isn’t any clinical research supporting the safety or effectiveness of this trend. “This is basically an evidence-free zone,” remarked Leigh A. Frame, executive director of the Office of Integrative Medicine & Health at George Washington University. “There’s no proof that it either works or doesn’t.”
Still, experts maintain that there could be a sound biological reason behind the perceived benefits from this over-the-counter approach, particularly relating to histamine. Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, especially concerning estrogen and progesterone, directly affect histamine levels, possibly contributing to symptoms that many women experience.
Both Pepcid AC and antihistamines are known to block histamine, which may help balance those levels during hormonal shifts. Dr. Mara Rivera, a psychiatrist specializing in reproductive health, noted that this combination might counteract symptoms traditionally attributed to lower progesterone levels before menstruation.
Furthermore, considering the interactions of histamine with neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, there may be additional mental health benefits associated with taking antihistamines, as some of Rivera’s patients have noted.
Even so, there could also be a placebo effect at play. Dr. Tami Rowen, a gynecologist at the University of California, San Francisco, acknowledged that while these drugs bear some risk, many patients still derive positive results from a placebo effect.
A Band-Aid, not a solution
Despite the anecdotal benefits, Frame expressed concerns that reliance on this approach might prevent individuals from addressing the root causes of their symptoms, which could range from hormonal imbalances to sleep problems. She emphasized that menstruation shouldn’t inherently involve pain.
This growing trend indicates a pressing need for more research into women’s health issues.
The bottom line
While there’s no empirical support for the effectiveness of these medications for PMDD or other conditions, experimenting with them could be a temporary measure as women seek professional help, Frame suggested. It’s important for anyone considering these medications to consult with their healthcare providers first.
Although Pepcid AC and antihistamines are generally low-risk, they aren’t entirely without potential side effects like drowsiness, dry mouth, and gastrointestinal issues, especially for older adults or those with kidney or liver complications.
