Can i take advil for menstrual cramps

Anti-inflammatory painkillers like diclofenac, ibuprofen and naproxen can help relieve severe period pain. These medications sometimes have side effects such as stomach problems.

Period pain and cramps (dysmenorrhea) are common. Most girls and women have pain of varying intensity at some point during their period. In some women the pain is so bad that they're unable to carry out their usual daily activities, like going to work or school, on one to three days every month.

In women who have bad period pains, the womb often produces too much of the chemical messenger prostaglandin. This leads to painful cramps in the lower abdomen that might also radiate into the back or thighs. Benign (non-cancerous) growths such as fibroids sometimes play a role too. Very severe period pain can also be a symptom of endometriosis, where the type of tissue that lines the womb grows outside of the womb.

Painkillers block prostaglandin production

Anti-inflammatory painkillers are often used to relieve period pain, especially the drugs diclofenac, ibuprofen and naproxen. These medications are all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They inhibit the production of prostaglandins and can relieve period pain in that way. Many NSAIDs are available from pharmacies without a prescription.

Researchers at the Cochrane Collaboration – an international network of researchers – looked for clinical studies of these drugs to find out whether they help and how well they are tolerated. The researchers found 80 good-quality studies involving more than 5,800 girls and women between the ages of 12 and 47. These studies compared the effectiveness of the painkiller with that of a placebo (fake drug) or other medications. The studies included women with and without endometriosis.

The research shows: NSAIDs can relieve period pain

The studies show that NSAIDs were more effective than placebos at relieving period pain:

• 82 out of 100 girls and women who didn't take NSAIDs still had severe pain after a few hours.

• 51 out of 100 girls and women who took NSAIDs still had severe pain after a few hours.

So the painkillers relieved pain in 31 out of 100 girls and women.

Some studies compared NSAIDs with acetaminophen (paracetamol). They suggest that NSAIDs are a little more effective than acetaminophen at relieving period pain. There's not enough good research to be able to say whether some NSAIDs are more effective than others.

The studies also show that NSAIDs can sometimes have side effects: 2 to 3 out of 100 girls and women experienced stomach problems, nausea, headaches or drowsiness.

Sources

• IQWiG health information is written with the aim of helping people understand the advantages and disadvantages of the main treatment options and health care services.

  Because IQWiG is a German institute, some of the information provided here is specific to the German health care system. The suitability of any of the described options in an individual case can be determined by talking to a doctor. We do not offer individual consultations.

  Our information is based on the results of good-quality studies. It is written by a team of health care professionals, scientists and editors, and reviewed by external experts. You can find a detailed description of how our health information is produced and updated in our methods.

The pain and inflammation during your menstrual cycle is mainly caused by pain producing chemicals called prostaglandins, and there are several types of pains you can experience during your period. 1,2 Depending on the severity, such pains can interfere with work, school, and social activities. It’s great to know that you have many options for reducing your pain, so see what works best for you! Just remember: pain is manageable—so it shouldn’t get in the way of you doing the things you enjoy.

Remember: pain is manageable—so it shouldn’t get in the way of you doing the things you enjoy.

What can help reduce the pain of menstrual cramps?

• Maintain a healthy diet low in processed sugars and fatty foods.
• Drink plenty of water to prevent your body from holding onto water and therefore feeling bloated.3
    

• There is a perception that exercise is inappropriate when experiencing menstrual pain, however exercise actually increases blood flow and promotes the release of mood-boosting hormones called endorphins.4 Exercise and stretching have shown to be effective in reducing the severity of menstrual cramp pain as well.5
• If you are prone to painful menstrual cramps, exercising 3-4 times a week promotes overall body health and may help with menstrual pains.6
    

• Don’t feel guilty about treating yourself! Massage with aromatic oils has been shown to provide relief and shorten the duration of menstrual pain.7 Go ahead and give it a try with lavender, clary sage, or marjoram oil.

• Heat therapy works by moving past skin layers and directly acting on muscles thereby relaxing them and easing the pain.8 Continuous, low-level topical heat has been shown to provide relief of menstrual pain and cramping in women.9 Many forms of heat therapy are available in stores or at your pharmacy including heat patches, heat pads, and hot water bottles.6

Over-the-Counter Pain Relief Medicines  
 

• Moderate use of over-the-counter pain relievers is an effective method for relieving menstrual pain.1,2
• Ibuprofen targets pain at the source and is shown to provide powerful relief of your tough menstrual cramps, headache, and backache. Consider Advil® Liqui-Gels® or Advil® Extra Strength Liqui-Gels®.

For more information about periods and menstrual pain, visit the menstrual painsection of our website.

1. Hall JE. Menstrual Disorders and Pelvic Pain. In: Kasper D, Fauci A, Hauser S, Longo D, Jameson J, Loscalzo J. eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19e. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2015. http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=1130&Sectionid=7 . Accessed January 29, 2017.
2. Harada T. Dysmenorrhea and Endometriosis in Young Women. Yonago Acta Medica. 2013;56(4):81-84.
3. “Home Remedies for Menstrual Cramps.” http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/menstrual-cramp-remedies#2. Accessed January 29, 2017.
4. Doheny, K. “10 Ways to Relieve Period Cramps.” https://www.everydayhealth.com/treatment/womens-health/ways-to-relieve-period-cramps/. Accessed January 29, 2017.
5. Vaziri F, Hoseini A, Kamali F, Abdali K, Hadianfard M, Sayadi M. Comparing the effects of aerobic and stretching exercises on the intensity of primary dysmenorrhea in the students of universities of bushehr. J Family Reprod Health. 2015; 9(1): 23-8.
6. Bachai, S. “Menstrual Cramps: 6 Home Remedies.” http://www.medicaldaily.com/menstrual-cramps-6-home-remedies-247558. Accessed January 29, 2017.
7. Ou MC, Hsu TF, Lai AC, Lin YT, Lin CC. Pain relief assessment by aromatic essential oil massage on outpatients with primary dysmenorrhea: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2012; 38(5): 817-22.
8. Nadler SF, Steiner DJ, Erasala GN, Hengehold DA, Hinkle RT, Goodale MB, Abeln SB, Weingand KW. Don’t let cramps hold you back. ThermaCare Menstrual Patches relieve menstrual-cramp pain, providing soothing heat to relax muscles and ease the pain. Spine. 2002; 27(10).
9. Akin M, Price W, Rodriguez G, Erasala G, Hurley G, Smith RP. Continuous, Low-Level, Topic Heat Wrap Therapy as Compared to Acetaminophen for Primary Dysmenorrhea. The Journal of Reproductive Medicine. 2004; 49(9): 739-745.
10.  Chan, W. Y., Dawood, M. Y. and Fuchs, F.. "Relief of dysmenorrhea with the prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor ibuprofen: effect on prostaglandin levels in menstrual fluid." American journal of obstetrics and gynecology 135.1 (1979): 102-108.

Be sure this product is right for you. Always read and follow the directions on the label. This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Speak to your healthcare professional before making any changes to your lifestyle or before beginning or discontinuing any course of treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this site.

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