Published on: 5/30/2025
Which medicines are most commonly prescribed for period cramps?
Common medicines for period cramps include medications like ibuprofen or naproxen. Hormonal treatments, like birth control pills, are also effective and commonly prescribed by healthcare providers.
Explanation
Period cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea, can be quite uncomfortable. Various treatments are available to help manage the pain.
A commonly used option is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen or naproxen. NSAID medications help reduce the production of substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation during menstruation. NSAID medications can be prescribed by a healthcare provider or obtained over-the-counter. Another type of over-the-counter pain relief medication is acetaminophen.
Hormonal treatments, like birth control pills, are also effective and commonly prescribed by healthcare providers. Hormonal treatments work by regulating or stopping the menstrual cycle, which can significantly reduce menstrual cramps. Other hormonal treatment options include medication-containing skin patches, injections, or intrauterine devices (IUDs).
A healthcare provider can provide more information about these treatment options and provide personalized medical recommendations.
(References)
- Proctor ML, & Murphy PA. (2001). Herbal and dietary therapies for primary and secondary .... The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 11687013.
- Daniels SE, Paredes-Diaz A, An R, Centofanti R, & Tajaddini A. (2019). a double-blind, randomized, single-dose, crossover study. Current medical research and opinion, 31397597.
- Christelle K, Norhayati MN, & Jaafar SH. (2022). Interventions to prevent or treat heavy menstrual bleeding .... The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 36017945.
Tell your friends about us.
We would love to help them too.
For First Time Users
What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?
We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.
Learn more about symptoms
Was this page helpful?
Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.