NHS GP and television doctor Dr Zoe Williams has revealed what she describes as a 'mind-blowing' finding: millions of women may be taking the wrong medication for period pain. During a segment on ITV's This Morning, Dr Williams explained that ibuprofen is more effective than paracetamol for period pain and shared the optimal timing for taking it.
Why Ibuprofen Is Better for Period Pain
Dr Williams responded to research showing that paracetamol is the painkiller most frequently bought alongside period products. She 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. But when it comes to period pain, we know that ibuprofen is better."
The GP explained that period pain is caused by chemicals called prostaglandins, which make the womb contract to shed its lining. These chemicals also cause the bowel to contract, leading to what are commonly known as 'period poos', and can affect the bladder, causing more frequent urination during menstruation. Ibuprofen directly impacts the level of prostaglandins, making it a more targeted treatment.
Research Findings on Painkiller Purchases
Dr Williams cited a study that looked at millions of women buying period products. The study found that half of them also bought pain relief. Of those, two-thirds purchased paracetamol and only one-third bought ibuprofen. She said: "So I think it's a really good opportunity just to educate anyone out there. As long as you can safely take ibuprofen, that's the first line for period pain."
Best Time to Take Painkillers
Dr Williams emphasised that timing is crucial for maximum relief. She advised: "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 for Period Pain
The NHS website acknowledges that it is common to have pain or discomfort before or during a period and offers several self-care tips: having a warm bath or shower, using a heat pad or hot water bottle wrapped in a tea towel on the tummy, massaging the tummy and back, trying gentle exercise like yoga, swimming, walking or cycling, and using painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
However, the NHS warns that period pain could sometimes be caused by underlying health conditions. It advises seeking an urgent GP appointment or contacting 111 if pelvic pain or period pain is severe or worse than usual and painkillers have not helped. People should also speak to a GP if their periods become more painful, heavier or irregular, if they are bleeding between periods, or if period pain stops them from doing their usual daily activities.
