fizkes/Shutterstock When the pain of menstrual cramps are at their worst, more often than not you'll reach for whatever painkillers are at the front of your medicine cabinet. If there's none on hand, taking a trip to your local pharmacy can be even more of a pain as
there are so many brand names to choose from. Essentially, whatever you decide to go with (whether that's Tylenol or Advil), you'll be choosing between two types of over-the-counter painkillers –- acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (via Cosmopolitan). On the surface level, both painkillers essentially do the same job –- they kill
pain. But there are some major differences between the two, as they work in vastly different ways in the body depending on the type of pain you are experiencing. For menstrual cramps, the pain comes as a result of the muscular wall of the womb contracting to shed its lining as part of the menstrual cycle. This can often radiate to other muscles in the body, amounting in even more pain. So which painkiller is better for this specific type of pain? Ibuprofen inhibits a specific chemical related to painful period cramps
fizkes/Shutterstock The main difference between acetaminophen and ibuprofen is the parts of the body it targets. Acetaminophen is usually prescribed to relieve "mild to moderate" pain from headaches, muscle aches, menstrual cramps, and other painful aches in the body (via Medline Plus). Acetaminophen is an analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer) and works by cooling down the body and changing how it perceives pain. Unlike ibuprofen, acetaminophen isn't broken down in the stomach so it's a good option to take if you tend to have an upset tummy with your period. But as this drug is broken down by the liver, Cosmopolitan notes that it should never be taken with alcohol as it can cause irreversible damage. Ibuprofen, on the other hand, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This specifically targets inflammation by blocking chemicals that cause this body response (via Cleveland Clinic). They also inhibit the production of a chemical messenger called prostaglandin. According to Informed Health, too much of this chemical in the womb can cause painful periods, and as NSAIDs specifically target it they can relieve pain more efficiently than acetaminophen. However, this suppression of prostaglandin can also be bad for your stomach. This is because one of its functions is protecting the stomach by reducing stomach acid and increasing mucus (via Healthline). This doesn't happen to everyone, but it can lead to severe gastrointestinal (GI) side effects if used regularly over a long period of time. Anti-inflammatory painkillers like diclofenac, ibuprofen and naproxen can help relieve severe period pain. These medications sometimes have side effects such as stomach problems. Period pain and cramps (dysmenorrhea) are common. Most girls and women have pain of varying intensity at some point during their period. In some women the pain is so bad that they're unable to carry out their usual daily activities, like going to work or school, on one to three days every month. In women who have bad period pains, the womb often produces too much of the chemical messenger prostaglandin. This leads to painful cramps in the lower abdomen that might also radiate into the back or thighs. Benign (non-cancerous) growths such as fibroids sometimes play a role too. Very severe period pain can also be a symptom of endometriosis, where the type of tissue that lines the womb grows outside of the womb. Painkillers block prostaglandin productionAnti-inflammatory painkillers are often used to relieve period pain, especially the drugs diclofenac, ibuprofen and naproxen. These medications are all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They inhibit the production of prostaglandins and can relieve period pain in that way. Many NSAIDs are available from pharmacies without a prescription. Researchers at the Cochrane Collaboration – an international network of researchers – looked for clinical studies of these drugs to find out whether they help and how well they are tolerated. The researchers found 80 good-quality studies involving more than 5,800 girls and women between the ages of 12 and 47. These studies compared the effectiveness of the painkiller with that of a placebo (fake drug) or other medications. The studies included women with and without endometriosis. The research shows: NSAIDs can relieve period painThe studies show that NSAIDs were more effective than placebos at relieving period pain:
So the painkillers relieved pain in 31 out of 100 girls and women. Some studies compared NSAIDs with acetaminophen (paracetamol). They suggest that NSAIDs are a little more effective than acetaminophen at relieving period pain. There's not enough good research to be able to say whether some NSAIDs are more effective than others. The studies also show that NSAIDs can sometimes have side effects: 2 to 3 out of 100 girls and women experienced stomach problems, nausea, headaches or drowsiness. Sources
What pain reliever is best for menstrual cramps?Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), at regular doses starting the day before you expect your period to begin can help control the pain of cramps. Prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs also are available.
Is acetaminophen or Tylenol better for period cramps?Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Research suggests NSAIDs may work better than acetaminophen for menstrual cramps. But acetaminophen is still an effective pain reliever option for many people. A typical dose of acetaminophen is 2 tablets (650 mg) by mouth every 4 to 6 hours, as needed.
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Which is better for menstrual cramps acetaminophen or ibuprofen
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