Read up on Painful periods treatment options at Consumer Reports Health.

Painful periods

Key points about treatments

There are lots of treatments that relieve painful periods. Painkillers work and you can get some of these over the counter. Some vitamins also work. If you don't want to take pills, using heat can help.

Painkillers called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) work well for painful periods.
Other painkillers such as aspirin and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are also likely to help.
You can try vitamin E, vitamin B-1 or an herbal remedy called toki-shakuyaku-san.
Heat may help as much as taking NSAIDs.
Many women take birth-control pills to prevent period pains. But there hasn't been much research about this.
If your period pain is caused by another condition, such as

endometriosis
Endometriosis happens when tissue from the lining of the womb grows in other parts of the body, such as the ovaries or the intestines. It can make you bleed more and have more pain when you get your period. It can also make it difficult for you to get pregnant.

endometriosis, you may need other treatments.

This information was last updated on May 08, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

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