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Let's figure out the best way to take care of this period pain.

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The approach will be to use an anti-inflammatory pain reliever to not only reduce the pain, but reduce the amount of bleeding.

It is always better to take the pills day before the period starts to prevent the pain from building up.

With this approach in mind, see what is recommended below.

Lady holding her stomach in pain


Relieving Pain

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): 

Start taking this the day before your period  starts, and continue for the first few days of the period.

Take the tablets regularly, for 2-3 days each period, rather than 'now and then' when pain builds up. Taking as-needed is not adequate for most people).

Lady taking pills

If taken early and in prescription strength (600 - 800mg), they are extremely successful in alleviating menstrual pain.

A good example is ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin.

 

Can't take NSAIDS?

Take a combination pill of Acetaminophen 500 mg (Pain reliever), Pamabrom 25mg (diuretic), Pyrilamine maleate 15 mg (antihistamine), Caffeine.

Examples are Midol®, Pamprin®, Premsyn PMS.   

These are useful if you experience significant bloating, headache and water retention.    

Take midol® if the main thing is headache.

Take Pamprin® if the main concern is feeling bloated.

 

 

Bloated? Headaches?

Midol if mainly headaches.


Woman holding pills


Pamprin if mainly bloating.

 

Worth trying

Apply a heating pad to your lower belly area, below the belly button.

Woman with hot water bottle on pelvic area

  • Take warm showers or baths.
  • Keep your legs raised while lying down.
  • Lie on the side with your knees bent.
  • Do light circular massage with your fingertips around your lower belly area.
  • Do low-fat vegetarian diet at least for now.
  • Cut back on salt to help prevent water retention. Water retention can lead to breast tenderness; swelling of your feet, ankles, and hands; and headaches.
  • Try vitamin B6, calcium, and magnesium supplements.
  • Now is a good time to take fish oil.

 

Last updated by pharmacist on : 03/26/2018

 

 

Know this about the safe and effective use of this recommendation.
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Our disclaimer

  • Recommendation is the opinion of a registered US Pharmacist currently practicing as a community pharmacist.
  • Recommendation is not an attempt to discuss all possible self care or treatment approach to this health challenge.
  • The responsibility of the recommending pharmacist is limited to this question:
    "If a patient presents with these symptoms, what will you recommend and why?"
    It is not an attempt to publish an article on the treatment of any condition. Just what would you tell a patient who present with so and so in the usual course of your practice.
  • The pharmacist image presented in this article may or may not be the actual image of the authoring pharmacist.
    Because we insist on using articles written by currently practicing community pharmacists, these pharmacists may choose to remain anonymous especially if they are employed by an employer to avoid being pressured to recommend a particular product to drive sales.
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