Which medicines are most commonly prescribed for period cramps?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

The most common medicines for period cramps (dysmenorrhea) are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). These work by reducing prostaglandins, the compounds responsible for uterine contractions and pain. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is another over-the-counter option. For persistent or severe cramps, healthcare providers often prescribe hormonal treatments, including combined birth control pills, hormonal IUDs, or the contraceptive patch, which help regulate or lighten periods.

Because period pain can sometimes signal underlying conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, or PCOS, it's worth understanding your symptoms before choosing a treatment. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to clarify what may be causing your cramps and confidently plan your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if period cramps need medical care Discover possible causes of severe period cramps See whether symptoms suggest something more serious Find OTC relief for period cramps Find a doctor for menstrual pain Discover home remedies for period cramps Understand what your cramps may mean

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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).

If you're experiencing period cramps and want to better understand your symptoms and potential treatment options, try Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker for personalized medical recommendations.

(References)

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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.

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