Many women may not be using the most effective pain medication for period cramps, a study suggests. Ibuprofen could be a better choice than paracetamol.
Key facts
- •Paracetamol was the most common painkiller bought alongside tampons and sanitary towels.
- •Ibuprofen could be a better choice for period cramps because it blocks the production of prostaglandins.
- •Half of menstrual product transactions also included a pain product.
- •Two-thirds of pain products bought were paracetamol-based, while the other third were ibuprofen.
- •Ibuprofen reduces swelling and eases pain, and it also lowers prostaglandins.
- •The NHS advises speaking to a doctor if experiencing severe period pain.
A study of supermarket till receipts found that paracetamol was the most common painkiller bought alongside tampons and sanitary towels. However, experts say ibuprofen could be more effective for period cramps.
By the numbers
Study Findings
The study analyzed 211 million transactions across 3.4 million shoppers between 2006 and 2015. It found that half of menstrual product transactions also included a pain product, with two-thirds being paracetamol-based and the other third being ibuprofen. The data provides a snapshot of what women are buying as period pain relief.
Effectiveness of Painkillers
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that reduces swelling and eases pain, and it also lowers prostaglandins, the chemical responsible for causing cramping contractions of muscles in the womb. Paracetamol, on the other hand, works primarily in the brain to block pain signals and is a good choice for headaches. It is best to start taking ibuprofen the day before, or several days before, a period or pain is expected.
This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by BBC Health.
