What are the best pain medications for period cramps?

A person may require pain medications during their period to relieve cramping. Possible medications for period cramps include aspirin, ibuprofen, and prescription pain relievers.

Sometimes, people find managing their diet, taking medication, and keeping active help reduce the severity of their period cramps.

There are also alternative therapies, such as food supplements or plant-based therapies, which some brands market to help relieve period cramps. However, they are

People who have periods should speak with a doctor for advice on treating period cramps. Read more to learn about the best pain medications for this type of pain.

The medical term for period cramps is dysmenorrhea. Several medications can help with period cramps, including over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription options.

OTC medicines

In most people, these OTC medications

Taking pain relief 1–2 days before a period begins and for the first 2–3 days of bleeding should help alleviate some painful cramps.

Prescription medicines for period cramps

If someone has endometriosis that is

These could include prescription pain relievers or using an intrauterine device (IUD).

Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs)

Generally, contraceptive pills help reduce period pain by reducing prostaglandins, which are compounds that help regulate bodily functions. Prostaglandins

Progestin-only pills (POPs) are a specific type of OCP that

Additionally, POPs can prevent ovulation from happening and help keep the lining of the uterus thin.

Aside from taking pain relief medications, there are several methods a person can follow to help with their period pain. They include:

Eating a nutritious diet

One

For this reason, focusing on eating a nutritious and balanced diet could form a significant part of period pain management.

Applying heat

People with period pain may find applying heat

It is important to also consider that current evidence investigating heat’s effects on period cramps is weak and more research is necessary. So if possible, a person should try OTC pain relievers first.

Exercise

Research focusing on the effect of exercise on period cramps is generally low quality, so it can be difficult to draw conclusions from the data.

However, researchers generally agree that exercise can reduce period cramps if a person does around

Research around the effect of acupuncture on exercise is very mixed and tends to be of low quality.

For that reason,

If heavy bleeding accompanies period pain to the point a person is experiencing anemia and fatigue, a doctor may refer them for endometrial ablation.

Endometrial ablation is a

Period pain is very common. Many people feel pain before or during their menstrual cycle.

In fact, more than half of individuals report having period pain for about 1–2 days each month.

While some period pain is a typical part of menstruation, it is important for a person to consult a doctor if the pain is affecting their quality of life and well-being.

A person should always speak with a doctor if OTC medicines are not reducing their period cramps, as this could be a sign of an underlying health problem.

They should also seek medical help if the pain is spreading to other areas, such as the back and legs, or if the pain causes them concern.

The best pain medications include a range of OTC pain relievers,

When OTC treatments are

In instances of severe cramping that accompanies additional symptoms, such as heavy bleeding, a doctor may suggest endometrial ablation. However, this is a serious procedure that

Most of the time, mild period pain is a typical part of menstruation. However, if the pain seriously affects a person’s quality of life, they should speak with a doctor.