Why Painkillers Are Not Always Recommended for Period Pain

Women! Raise your hands up if you ever had menstrual pain before! Menstrual pain is actually a very common issue among women. Due to the discomfort, many women tend to rely on painkillers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or paracetamol, to manage their discomfort. While these medications are effective in reducing pain, frequent or long-term use is not always recommended due to potential health risks. Here’s why:

Potential Health Risks of Painkillers for Period Pain

NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen reduce pain by blocking prostaglandins, which cause uterine contractions. However, frequent use may lead to stomach irritation, ulcers, and acid reflux, especially when taken on an empty stomach.

Painkillers May Mask Underlying Health Issues

Severe period pain may indicate underlying health conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or uterine fibroids. Relying on painkillers without investigating the cause may delay proper diagnosis and treatment. 

Alternatives to Painkillers for Period Pain Relief

1. Heat Therapy

Applying a period heating patch or warm compress to the lower abdomen can help relax uterine muscles and improve blood circulation, reducing cramps effectively.

2. Regular Exercise

Physical activity releases endorphins, which act as natural painkillers. Women who engaged in regular exercise experienced reduced menstrual pain compared to those with a sedentary lifestyle.

3. Dietary Adjustments

Reducing processed foods, and excessive sugar intake while increasing magnesium-rich foods (such as nuts, seeds, and leafy greens) may help lessen menstrual cramps (Ziaei et al., 2005).

4. Herbal Remedies

Certain herbal remedies, such as ginger, chamomile, and Chinese red date tea, have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. There is study found that ginger was as effective as ibuprofen in reducing period pain when taken at the onset of cramps. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before trying herbal supplements for period flow.

Conclusion

While painkillers can provide temporary relief from period pain, they are not always the best long-term solution due to potential health risks and the possibility of masking underlying conditions. Women experiencing severe or persistent menstrual pain should seek medical advice to rule out underlying health issues. Alternative remedies such as heat therapy, exercise, dietary changes, and herbal treatments offer safer, natural ways to manage discomfort.

 

References

Akin, M., et al. (2001). "Comparison of the efficacy of heat and ibuprofen for primary dysmenorrhea." Journal of Reproductive Medicine.

Antman, E. M., et al. (2007). "Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and increased risk of cardiovascular events." Circulation.

Dawood, M. Y. (2006). "Primary dysmenorrhea: Advances in pathogenesis and management." Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Latthe, P., et al. (2006). "Prevalence of chronic pelvic pain in women and associated health care seeking." British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Ozgoli, G., et al. (2009). "Comparison of effects of ginger, mefenamic acid, and ibuprofen on pain in women with primary dysmenorrhea." Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

Prescott, L. F. (2000). "Paracetamol: Past, present, and future." American Journal of Therapeutics.

Shahrjerdi, S., et al. (2012). "The effect of physical activity on primary dysmenorrhea in college students." Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Research.

Sostres, C., et al. (2013). "Adverse effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)." Gut.

Whelton, A. (1999). "Nephrotoxicity of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Physiologic foundations and clinical implications." American Journal of Medicine.

Ziaei, S., et al. (2005). "The effects of magnesium supplementation on primary dysmenorrhea." British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.