Period Pain Relief

More information about Menstrual Pain

Menstrual pain, also known as period pain, can be an unpleasant part of a woman’s monthly cycle. Many women experience cramps in the lower abdomen during their period, in addition to other symptoms like headache, lower back pain, nausea and diarrhea. There can be many potential causes of menstrual pain but it’s most commonly the result of too many chemicals made by the uterus, which cause the muscles to tighten and relax. For many women, over-the-counter (OTC) products such as pain relief pills, diuretics, and heating pad and patches can help relieve symptoms of cramps and bloating. All of these types of products are available for purchase in stores and online at Walgreens.

How to relieve menstrual pains

There are many possible solutions to help relieve menstrual pain. For many women, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can relieve pain from periods and help reduce the number of chemicals being produced by the uterus. Other pain relievers such as acetaminophen can also reduce symptoms. Many women are also able to ease cramps and period pains by using a heating pad or patch, which can be placed on the abdomen or lower back depending on where the pain is more intense.

Some women experience unpleasant bloating before and during their period and may choose to take diuretics to help reduce water retention that causes bloating. Taking diuretics at the same time as pain relievers such as NSAIDs can cause kidney damage. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking multiple medicines at once. If you’re looking for relief from menstrual pain, Walgreens products can help. Speak with a pharmacist in one of our stores for help finding the best products for you.

Can you take menstrual pain relief while pregnant?

It is best to speak with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant and looking to use menstrual pain relief products. Some women experience cramps during pregnancy due to the uterus growing and stretching, gas and bloating, and constipation. However, research is ongoing into the safety of certain pain medications for use during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant and experiencing cramping and other kinds of pain, your healthcare provider can work with you to address your symptoms.

Can you take menstrual pain relief while on birth control?

It is generally safe for most women to take menstrual pain relief while on birth control. In fact, some healthcare providers may recommend hormonal birth control as a method of treating menstrual pain. Many women find relief from severe period cramps after beginning hormonal birth control. However, if you are using hormonal birth control and still experience menstrual pain, over-the-counter (OTC) products may help ease your symptoms. These may include acetaminophen, NSAIDs or other products such as heating pads and patches. Walgreens offers a wide variety of menstrual pain relief products. Visit a Walgreens store to learn more or chat with a pharmacy expert online 24/7 with Walgreens pharmacy chat.