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Painkillers for period cramps
Period pain is sadly a part of the package when it comes to having a period. Period symptoms include cramps, tender breasts, back pain or sore thighs. Find out more on NHS website.
What causes period pain?
It is important to recognise that every body is unique but 3 in 4 people will report experiencing cramps during their period. Cramps (mild or severe) are common when bleeding begins.
Menstruation leads to cramps and other symptoms. However, secondary conditions like endometriosis can also lead to pain and cramps. We will focus on period pain linked directly to periods.
Cramps are caused by excess ‘prostaglandins’. Prostaglandins are hormone-like compounds that get released from the lining in the uterus when it prepares to shed. These allow the uterus to contract so that the lining exits your body.
Knowing your normal…
As mentioned, every body and period is unique. It can be difficult to understand what period pain is “normal”. Read our blog on understanding your normal to learn more. If you have any worries visit a health professional who will be happy to talk it through with you.
Can painkillers for period cramps help?
Painkillers can be an effective way to help handle period pains. But which painkillers are best?
We are fairly familiar with over the counter pain killers like paracetamol. These can be used to help relieve period pains.
Ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory pain killers are more effective at handling period cramps. IMPORTANT: Lilypads are not health professionals, just a team of people who have experience with different levels of period pain and have looked into these questions a lot. Make sure to speak to your health professional before trying new medication and follow the guidelines given.
Unfortunately, for some painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen will not be effective enough. Speak to your health professional to learn more about the other painkiller options available. Read our blog on holistic ways to manage your period.
So what else do you want to know about period symptoms? Let us know in the comments.
Period pain is sadly a part of the package when it comes to having a period. Period symptoms include cramps, tender breasts, back pain or sore thighs. Find out more on NHS website.
What causes period pain?
It is important to recognise that every body is unique but 3 in 4 people will report experiencing cramps during their period. Cramps (mild or severe) are common when bleeding begins.
Menstruation leads to cramps and other symptoms. However, secondary conditions like endometriosis can also lead to pain and cramps. We will focus on period pain linked directly to periods.
Cramps are caused by excess ‘prostaglandins’. Prostaglandins are hormone-like compounds that get released from the lining in the uterus when it prepares to shed. These allow the uterus to contract so that the lining exits your body.
Knowing your normal…
As mentioned, every body and period is unique. It can be difficult to understand what period pain is “normal”. Read our blog on understanding your normal to learn more. If you have any worries visit a health professional who will be happy to talk it through with you.
Can painkillers for period cramps help?
Painkillers can be an effective way to help handle period pains. But which painkillers are best?
We are fairly familiar with over the counter pain killers like paracetamol. These can be used to help relieve period pains.
Ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory pain killers are more effective at handling period cramps. IMPORTANT: Lilypads are not health professionals, just a team of people who have experience with different levels of period pain and have looked into these questions a lot. Make sure to speak to your health professional before trying new medication and follow the guidelines given.
Unfortunately, for some painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen will not be effective enough. Speak to your health professional to learn more about the other painkiller options available. Read our blog on holistic ways to manage your period.
So what else do you want to know about period symptoms? Let us know in the comments.