An NHS GP has said it is 'mind-blowing' that millions of women may be reaching for the 'wrong' medication when dealing with period pain. Dr Zoe Williams, an NHS GP and television doctor, highlighted the issue during a recent appearance on ITV's This Morning.
Paracetamol Most Commonly Bought With Period Products
The doctor was responding to research which revealed that paracetamol is the painkiller most frequently bought alongside period products. In a clip from the episode shared on Instagram, This Morning wrote: "Millions of women could be reaching for the wrong pain relief during their period. Dr Zoe explains the surprising reason why."
During the segment, Dr Zoe outlined why an alternative option might be more effective for many women, reports the Mirror. Dr Zoe said: "This is mind-blowing. So when we think about pain relief, we do tend to think of a pain ladder, and usually we think paracetamol first, then ibuprofen, and then, you know, speaking to the pharmacist and going up the ladder."
Why Ibuprofen Is Better for Period Pain
Dr Zoe explained: "But when it comes to period pain, we know that ibuprofen is better. So period pain is caused by prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are chemicals that make our womb contract, which is what we need to happen because we're trying to shed that lining. But they also cause pain."
"They also cause the bowel to contract, which is why people get period poos. They can cause a bit of contraction of the bladder as well, which is why sometimes when they're on the period, you need to wee more often. And ibuprofen directly impacts the level of prostaglandins."
Study Findings: Two-Thirds Buy Paracetamol
"So in this study, they found that when women would buy, it's millions of women they looked at, when they were buying period products, half of them bought pain relief. So, assuming that pain relief was for period pains, two-thirds bought paracetamol and a third bought ibuprofen. So I think it's a really good opportunity just to educate anyone out there."
Dr Zoe advised: "As long as you can safely take ibuprofen, that's the first line for period pain. And the best time to start taking it is before the pain comes on. If you know, if you're like clockwork and you know when your period's going to start, if you start taking the pain relief just before your period or as soon as you can, and keep on top of it, then that's the best way to treat it."
NHS Advice on Period Pain Relief
The NHS website says: "It's common to have pain or discomfort before or during your period. There are things you can do to help ease the pain." The NHS advises people to: have a warm bath or shower, use a heat pad or hot water bottle wrapped in a tea towel on your tummy, try massaging your tummy and back, try some gentle exercise like yoga, swimming, walking or cycling, and use painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen.
In some cases, period pain may be linked to underlying health conditions. For instance, painful periods could be caused by womb-like tissue growing in other places, growths in and around the womb, or an infection of the womb, the health authority said.
The NHS advises requesting an urgent GP appointment or contacting 111 if your pelvic pain or period pain is severe or worse than usual, and painkillers haven't provided relief. Anyone with health concerns should consult their GP.
