Published on: 5/26/2025
What medications or supplements are recommended for period cramps?
Ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen, or paracetamol can help period cramps. Some herbal and dietary supplements may help too, but more research on these supplements is needed.
Explanation
Period cramps can be uncomfortable, but there are ways to help manage them. Over-the-counter medications can provide relief from period pain and are commonly used for this purpose. These medications work by reducing inflammation (including reducing the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals in the body that cause pain and inflammation during menstruation) and/or blocking pain signals.
In addition to medications, some people find relief using herbal and dietary supplements. While some supplements might help, the evidence is not strong enough to recommend them universally. It's important to note that more research is needed to fully understand how these supplements work and how effective and safe they are.
If you are considering using supplements, it might be a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional to ensure they are safe and appropriate for you. Remember, what works for one person might not work for another, so it might take some time to find what helps you best.
(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.
- Chan WY, Fuchs F, & Powell AM. (1983). Effects of naproxen sodium on menstrual prostaglandins .... Obstetrics and gynecology, 6571974.
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