Menstrual Cramps: Effective Methods of Pain Relief

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  • About Belly Pain

Most females suffer from menstrual cramps (otherwise known as menstrual pain, or period pain) at some point in their lives. Menstrual cramps are not normal most especially if it’s severe – but you are certainly not on your own!

Menstruation

Menstrual pain can occur before, during or after your period and may be severe; it is typically experienced in the lower part of your abdomen although it can stretch to your upper thigh, legs and back.2, 3 You may also experience nausea (feeling sick), vomiting, bloating and diarrhea,3 which, together with the blood loss and pain, can make you feel really awful.

This article considers the causes of cramping at your ‘time of the month’ and what can help.

What are Menstrual Cramps?

Period pains can disrupt activities you love and affect your concentration at school and work, with 10-15% of women reporting having to regularly take time off because of their periods.1

While there are many reasons for developing period cramps,1, 2 they are more common if you start your periods at a young age, have longer, heavier periods, or smoke.1, 5

What Causes Period Pain?

Changes in hormone levels at the time of your period leads to the breakdown of the womb lining, which then releases chemicals known as prostaglandins (PGs). These chemicals act like hormones, the ‘chemical messengers’ that help regulate your body.

When PGs are released during your period, they cause the womb to contract3 – sometimes excessively – which makes the blood vessels narrow.3 This narrowing temporarily closes off the blood supply,8 which results in a lack of oxygen and the build-up of toxins, which causes pain.2, 3 PGs have been linked to inflammation2 and increased feelings of pain.2, 3 PGs are also responsible for some of the other effects seen at the time of your period, such as nausea and diarrhea.2

Is Period Pain Always Caused by Cramps?

If you have cramps that simply won’t go away, whether or not you have your period, it’s worth seeking medical help right away. Your physician may want to do tests to establish any gynecological cause of your cramps – or see if there is another condition that is causing your symptoms.

If your physician suspects that your severe period pains are related to your uterus, or ovaries, common tests that may be carried out include:

  • ​​​​​​​Pelvic exam
  • Ultrasound

While period pain is natural, occasionally your symptoms may indicate that something else is going on.6 If necessary, your physician may refer you to someone who specializes in obstetrics and gynecology disorders, or a OB/Gynecologist.

Effective Ways to Relieve Menstrual Cramps

There are some home and natural remedies which have been known to relieve the symptoms of period cramps. You can try the following:

Heat application

If you are struggling with period pain, you may find that heat may relieve your symptoms.1, 2, 7 Try getting cozy with a hot water bottle, wheat sack or heat pad and snuggle up watching a favorite movie or TV show; alternatively, you could enjoy a warm bath and listen to some tunes.

Acupuncture and acupressure

Acupuncture and acupressure1 may relieve menstrual pain. The techniques work via nerve stimulation, and the release of endorphins (natural ‘pain blocking’ chemicals) and serotonins (natural ‘feel good’ chemicals).2

Food or vitamin supplements

A variety of food supplements might also help relieve menstrual pain10:

  • Calcium citrate
  • Magnesium
  • Vitamin D and E
  • Zinc sulphate
  • Fish oil (with or without vitamin B1)10
  • Vitamin B110

Ginger may also reduce menstrual pain and associated gut symptoms,3,10 while vitamin E may help by limiting PG production,2,3 but more studies are needed.10

It is best to speak to a physician or pharmacist before taking any supplement.

Healthy Lifestyle Habits

We all know that exercise is good for you, and its list of benefits has now been expanded to include help with period pain.9 You can also make some positive changes to your lifestyle to improve your period symptoms2:

  • Give up smoking2
  • Reduce the fat in your diet
  • Increase your intake of beans, seeds and fruit and vegetables2
  • Limit your alcohol intake2

Medical Treatments for Menstruation Pain

If you find that you still have pain after trying the above, you can try antispasmodics or painkillers.

Antispasmodics

Antispasmodics reduce the muscle contractions that cause cramping and pain in your abdomen. An antispasmodic like Hyoscine N-butylbromide (Buscopan®) has a high affinity (attraction) for muscle tissue, meaning that it acts at exactly the right spot during your period. It’s been shown to work quickly (within 15 minutes based on 20mg formulation) and last up to 6 hours, covering you for most of the school or workday.

Hyoscine N-butylbromide (Buscopan®) is also available with paracetamol (Buscopan® Venus) to give you relief at the time of your period.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, aspirin or naproxen (you may need a prescription for this), can be taken with food to limit gut-related side effects.1

The drugs are often used to treat period cramps, and act via the central nervous system and a reduction in PGs.1 If you are less than 16 years old, however, aspirin should not be on the menu.11

Paracetamol

Paracetamol on its own can also give effective pain relief and has been shown to reduce PG production.4 Paracetamol can be helpful if you cannot take NSAIDs, or have milder period pain.4

How to Relieve Severe Period Pains

Sometimes, simple home or over-the-counter remedies just won’t work for severe period pains, and your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medication, hormone therapy or arrange further investigations.5

If you have severe period symptoms, it is advisable to see your doctor at the earliest opportunity – you may want to keep a pain diary which will be helpful for them to review.5

Don’t let belly pain hold you back.

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Find your Hyoscine N-butylbromide (Buscopan®)

Buscopan Mono Product

Hyoscine N-butylbromide (Buscopan®)
  • Mild to Moderate Pain
  • Adults and children 6+
  • Tablets
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Buscopan Venus Product

Hyoscine N-butylbromide + Paracetamol (Buscopan® Venus)
  • Mild to Strong Dysmenorrhea
  • Adults and children +10
  • Tablets
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Buscopan Plus Product

Hyoscine N-butylbromide + Paracetamol (Buscopan® Plus)
  • Strong pain
  • Adults and children +10
  • Tablets
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