The Best Medicines for Menstrual Cramps
Cramps are a common complaint during the menstrual cycle. A March 2014 "American Family Physician" article reports that as many as 9 out of 10 women experience menstrual cramps. The pain can be severe enough that some women miss work, school or social activities. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, are generally the best medicines for cramps 4. They work well for cramps because they stop the uterus from producing inflammatory hormones called prostaglandins that can cause pain and cramps. Hormonal birth control medicines may also help relieve menstrual cramps.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Over-the-Counter NSAIDs
Aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Menstridol) are NSAIDs available without a prescription. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is another familiar over-the-counter pain reliever, but it is not an NSAID. A January 2010 systematic review study published by the Cochrane Library reported that NSAIDs are more effective than acetaminophen for relieving menstrual cramps. The study authors also noted there was no evidence indicating any particular NSAID was better than another at alleviating cramps. You may personally notice a difference in effectiveness among different NSAIDs for relieving your cramps, however.
- Aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Menstridol) are NSAIDs available without a prescription.
- A January 2010 systematic review study published by the Cochrane Library reported that NSAIDs are more effective than acetaminophen for relieving menstrual cramps.
Prescription NSAIDs
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Prescription NSAIDs -- such as ketoprofen, diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam) and indomethacin (Indocin, Tivorbex) -- are stronger than those you can buy over the counter. High-dose ibuprofen also requires a prescription. You may want to talk with your doctor about trying one of these medicines if over-the-counter NSAIDs have not given you adequate relief from your menstrual cramps.
Other Over-the-Counter Menstrual Medicines
Many over-the-counter products are available for premenstrual syndrome symptoms, including cramps, bloating and tiredness. Many of these products contain several ingredients to treat different symptoms. Common ingredients for menstrual cramps include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin 6. Ingredients for other PMS symptoms include caffeine for tiredness and headache and pyrilamine or pamabrom for bloating. Read the medication label on the product to see what drugs it contains so you can avoid taking another product with the same ingredients.
- Many over-the-counter products are available for premenstrual syndrome symptoms, including cramps, bloating and tiredness.
- Ingredients for other PMS symptoms include caffeine for tiredness and headache and pyrilamine or pamabrom for bloating.
Hormonal Birth Control
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Hormonal birth control may help your cramps because it suppresses the release of an egg from the ovary, which is associated with menstrual cramps. Hormonal birth control is especially beneficial for women with endometriosis, a condition that occurs when uterine tissue grows outside the uterus -- often causing cyclic pain and cramps. Hormonal birth control can halt the growth of this abnormally located tissue, leading to less menstrual cramping. Hormonal birth control products typically contain a combination of estrogen and a progesteronelike drug called a progestin, or a progestin alone.
- Hormonal birth control may help your cramps because it suppresses the release of an egg from the ovary, which is associated with menstrual cramps.
- Hormonal birth control is especially beneficial for women with endometriosis, a condition that occurs when uterine tissue grows outside the uterus -- often causing cyclic pain and cramps.
Side Effects and Cautions
Possible side effects of hormonal birth control include:
- period changes
- breast tenderness
- nausea
- spotting between periods
- weight change
- headache
Seek immediate medical attention if you have leg pain that will not go away, shortness of breath, sudden blindness, severe chest pain, severe headache, weakness in arms or legs, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
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References
- American Family Physician: Diagnosis and Initial Management of Dysmenorrhea
- Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews: Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs for Dysmenorrhoea
- DailyMed: Seasonique - Levonorgestrel / Ethinyl Estradiol and Ethinyl Estradiol
- Food and Drug Adminstration: Medication Guide for Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
- DailyMed: Midol Complete - Acetaminophen, Caffeine and Pyrilamine Maleate Tablet
- DailyMed: Pamprin Max Menstrual Pain Relief - Acetaminophen, Aspirin and Caffeine Tablet
- Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews: Oral Contraceptive Pill for Primary Dysmenorrhoea
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine: Noncontraceptive Benefits of Birth Control Pills
- American Family Physician: ACOG Guidelines on Noncontraceptive Uses of Hormonal Contraceptives
- Barcikowska Z, Rajkowska-Labon E, Grzybowska ME, Hansdorfer-Korzon R, Zorena K. Inflammatory markers in dysmenorrhea and therapeutic options. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(4):1191. doi:10.3390/ijerph17041191
- NHS. Period pain. Updated August 7, 2019.
- Kids Health from Nemours. Talking to your child about periods. Updated October 2018.
- Medline Plus. Period pain.
- Johns Hopkins Medicine. Dysmenorrhea.
- Mayo Clinic. Menstrual cramps.
- Johns Hopkins Medicine. Dysmenorrhea.
- University of Utah Health. Period pain: When to go to the doctor. Updated October 20, 2017.
- Women's Health Concern. Period pain. Updated November 2019.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Dysmenorrhea: Painful periods.
Writer Bio
Andrea (Andi) Scott graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia with a combined Doctorate of Pharmacy and Master in Public Health degree. Her passion for writing was discovered through volunteering with the Inter Health Professionals Alliance and Nextgen Editing. Scott writes about medications, infectious disease and vaccinations.