Is it bad to take pain killers during your period?

Answer 1

Mild painkillers, such as paracetamol or aspirin, can help relieve the pain for some women. However, because some period pain can be caused by an excess of prostaglandins in the uterus, medications which can stop the production of prostaglandins are often very effective in relieving period pain.

These types of medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Examples of NSAIDs used for period pain that are available from pharmacists are diclofenac (such as Voltaren), ibuprofen (e.g. Nurofen), mefenamic acid (Ponstan) and naproxen (e.g. Naprogesic). Although you can buy these products without a prescription, it's advisable to discuss with your doctor or pharmacist which medication would suit you best. Stronger painkillers are also available on prescription from your doctor.

One successful treatment is the contraceptive pill, which suppresses ovulation and so causes bleeding to be less painful in some women. This works because the pain of dysmenorrhoea generally only occurs in menstrual cycles in which ovulation (release of an egg) occurs.

For secondary dysmenorrhoea, treatments will vary depending on the nature of the underlying problem.

Answer 2

Some women need to, it should be safe as long as you are using the medication as directed - at some point you may want to consult your doctor to the cause of your pain. There may be alternative ways to stop the pain like using Birth Control Pills.