SemicHealth’s Survey Respondents Report Taking Pain Relief Drugs for Period Pain; Are They Safe? Health Experts Weigh In

Key takeaways:

• Medications like NSAIDs and acetaminophen (paracetamol) can help with managing menstrual cramps, but they’re not for everyone. If you have stomach or other underlying health issues, you should talk to your doctor before taking them.
• There are natural ways to relieve period pain. Heat therapy, exercise, herbal teas, and stress management can be just as effective as medication for some women.
• Taking too many painkillers can be risky. Overusing NSAIDs can harm your stomach, and too much acetaminophen can affect your liver. Stick to recommended dosages.
• What you eat plays a more significant role than you think. Reducing sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and salty foods can help reduce bloating and inflammation, making cramps less painful.
• Extreme period pain isn’t normal. If your cramps are unbearable or come with heavy bleeding, it might be a sign of an underlying condition like endometriosis. A doctor’s visit is advised.

The majority of people who experience menstruation are very familiar with painful periods. It is nothing more than a slight discomfort for some people, but it can be simply intolerable for others.

To know more about symptoms people experience during their periods and to gain a more comprehensive understanding of how women cope with period discomfort, SemicHealth conducted a survey and collected responses from more than fifty (50) young women.

A total of 32 of the respondents reported that they were using pain management drugs to alleviate their menstrual pain or cramps.

On the other hand, there is a lot of controversy regarding whether or not it is safe to rely on medicines for relief from period cramps. 

Many people who experience menstrual cramps swear by pain relief medicines, saying that they make periods more bearable. However, some are concerned about the long-term effects, particularly when the medication is taken frequently.

So, what really is the truth?

When it comes to managing period pain, are pills a safe and effective method, or are they causing more harm than we can imagine? Also, in the event that they are not the most suitable alternative, what additional choices are available to you? 

We spoke to two medical experts to assist you in making well-informed decisions about managing period pain. 

Is it safe to use painkillers for managing period pain?

Painkillers are generally safe for short-term use, as they work by reducing inflammation, which can relieve pain, says Kecia Gaither, MD, MPH, MS, MBA, FACOG, double board-certified in OB/GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine, Director of Perinatal Services/Maternal Fetal Medicine at NYC Health + Hospitals.

However, safety also depends on the type of painkillers you choose to use for your period cramps. According to Akeem Adigun, MD, OBGYN with Memorial Hermann Medical Group (Cypress), health experts usually will try to start out with acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). Those are usually nice because the receptors in the uterus are very receptive to these medications, he says.

Dr. Adigun further explains that if you are at the point when you need medications like oxycodone or some kind of narcotic for your period pain, that's a different situation and needs to be addressed.

This is because a pain that bad means you may have transitioned from just dysmenorrhea—which is painful periods—to adenomyosis, when endometrial tissue grows in the wall of the uterus. A lot of times, that condition needs to be treated surgically.

Are there long-term effects of taking pain relief medications for menstrual cramps?

Long-term effects of pain relief medications like NSAIDs usually only affect people who have a history of medical conditions like gastric bypass, because ibuprofen can cause reflux and worsen gastritis, according to Dr. Adigun.

Long-term use of these medications may also pose gastrointestinal, kidney, and cardiovascular risks, Dr. Gaither adds.

Additionally, with long-term use of pain relief medications, their efficacy may start to wear off, making it necessary to alternate medications.

The use of narcotics for managing period pain can also lead to addiction or dependence in the long run.

Pain relief medications that are ideal for managing period cramps

Dealing with period pain can be a real challenge, but thankfully, several effective medications can help ease the discomfort. Here are some common options:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

When it comes to reducing the pain that comes with menstrual cramps, NSAIDs are usually the first option. They work by blocking the production of prostaglandins, hormone-like compounds that trigger uterine muscle contractions and cause pain.

NSAIDs consist of medications like:

• Ibuprofen: There are many brands of ibuprofen, such as Advil, Motrin, Addaprin, Cedaprin, I-Prin, Midol, and NeoProfen. The drugs are commonly used to relieve period discomfort and are available without a prescription.
• Naproxen: A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAID), naproxen is active in the body for up to 12 hours, which is longer than ibuprofen and is under brand names such as Aleve. One may also buy it without a prescription.

Acetaminophen (paracetamol or tylenol)

One substitute for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) is paracetamol. Though it does not help lower inflammation, it is mild on the stomach and may occasionally help reduce pain. 

Hormonal contraceptives

Sometimes we can also mitigate pain using birth control pills or some form of birth control, and that gives you a lighter period, so it's not as painful, Dr. Adigun points out.

Hormonal contraceptives like birth control pills can help reduce menstrual pain by lowering prostaglandin levels, which produce uterine contractions and pain, as well as thinning the uterine lining, resulting in lighter periods and less cramping.

However, involving a healthcare professional is essential to determine if this option suits you. 

Pain relief medications you may want to avoid for period pain

Dr. Gaither advises that it is best to avoid the use of aspirin and opioids, especially for long-term period cramp management.

"Aspirin is not recommended due to blood-thinning effects, which could increase menstrual flow and increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding," she says. Opioids, on the other hand, are best avoided (unless prescribed by a certified healthcare professional) due to the risk of dependence.

Precautions to take when using pain relief medications for period cramps

When taking pain relief for period cramps, a little caution goes a long way. Just because a medication is available over the counter doesn’t mean it’s risk-free.

Dr. Adigun also points out that the biggest precaution usually depends on the type of medication and its side effects. Medications like ibuprofen usually don't have a great deal of side effects; as mentioned, you can exhaust the efficacy, or alternatively, some patients may experience gastritis, and some may have a risk of experiencing high blood pressure.

1. Talk to your doctor first, especially if you have other health conditions

Before popping an ibuprofen or naproxen, which are both NSAIDs, check with your doctor if you have a history of stomach ulcers, kidney disease, or heart problems.

NSAIDs can irritate the stomach lining and even increase the risk of bleeding, especially if taken frequently. If you have any of these conditions, acetaminophen (paracetamol) might be a safer option.

2. Stick to the recommended drug dosage

More is not better when it comes to pain relief. Taking too many NSAIDs can lead to stomach issues, while excessive acetaminophen can damage the liver. Always follow the dosage instructions on the label or as your doctor prescribes. 

3. Avoid combining medications without guidance

If you’re already on other medications, which could be for allergies, mental health, or chronic conditions, double-check that your pain reliever won’t interact with them. Some drugs can have dangerous interactions.

4. Don't take NSAIDs on an empty stomach

To minimize stomach irritation, it is best to take NSAIDs with food or a glass of milk. If you’re prone to digestive issues, your doctor may recommend a different pain management approach.

5. Know when to see a doctor

If your cramps are so bad that you’re regularly relying on strong medication, it’s worth investigating the underlying cause. Conditions like endometriosis or fibroids might be at play. 

Also, the most important thing is to understand that it is painful to have periods, but the pain is something that's relative and difficult to assess from patient to patient, so if the pain is beyond what your treatment is handling, it definitely needs to be evaluated by a physician, Dr. Adigun highlights.

Other effective strategies for managing period pain

Pain relief medications aren’t the only way to manage period cramps. Many other strategies can help ease the discomfort, some of which don’t require swallowing a pill. Some of the helpful care tips include:

• Heat therapy: Your lower belly will greatly benefit from a warm water bottle or heating pad. Heat helps to relax the uterine muscles, improving blood flow and reducing cramping. Studies suggest that administering heat therapy may be as beneficial as pain relief drugs for menstrual pain.
• Light exercise: Although it may not seem like the best thing to do while menstruating, simple exercises such as yoga, walking, or stretching can relieve cramps by enhancing blood flow and releasing endorphins, your body's happy hormones. 
• Herbal teas: A hot cup of chamomile or ginger tea can significantly reduce period pain. While chamomile calms muscles and reduces stress, ginger may be just as good as NSAIDs with its anti-inflammatory qualities. Regular consumption of these teas before and throughout your period may help relieve cramps without drug side effects. 
• Manage stress: Stress releases cortisol, which raises muscular tension and inflammation and aggravates period cramps. Deep breathing, meditation, warm baths, or even journaling are examples of relaxation methods that can help lessen tension and reduce menstrual pain. 
• Adjust your diet: Certain foods can either ease or worsen period cramps. Reducing sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and salty foods can help prevent bloating and inflammation, making cramps more manageable. Instead, eat magnesium-rich foods like bananas, dark chocolate, avocados, and nuts. Evidence suggests magnesium may help manage period pain by reducing inflammation and relaxing the smooth muscles of the uterus.

Wrap up

Period pain is very common, but it shouldn’t disrupt your life. Pain relievers, heat therapy, exercise, and relaxation techniques can help manage cramps effectively. It’s important to use medications safely, follow dosage guidelines, and consider alternative relief methods. 

However, if your pain is severe, doesn’t improve with treatment, or comes with heavy bleeding or unusual symptoms, seeking medical advice is crucial, as it might be a warning sign of endometriosis.

Your period shouldn’t be unbearable; there are options to help you feel better. Understanding your body and getting the proper care can greatly improve your overall well-being.