What pain relievers can be taken for dysmenorrhea?

Every woman experiences menstrual pain—often affectionately referred to as “Auntie Pain.” In fact, there are many potential causes of menstrual discomfort, including frequent consumption of cold or icy foods, or the presence of “cold uterus” (a traditional Chinese medicine concept referring to uterine coldness). Severe pain can be unbearable, prompting consideration of analgesic medications. So, what pain relievers can be used for dysmenorrhea?

What Pain Relievers Can Be Used for Dysmenorrhea?

Dysmenorrhea may be alleviated with medications such as naproxen tablets or sustained-release ibuprofen capsules. Menstrual pain can cause significant distress for many women, who often dread the arrival of their period. In cases of severe menstrual pain, it is important to adopt appropriate management strategies—including the use of analgesics. Naproxen tablets, for example, are one such option. This is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication that should be used under medical supervision and is widely available. It is primarily indicated for the relief of moderate pain, including migraine and dysmenorrhea. Therefore, it may be suitable for women experiencing severe menstrual cramps. Sustained-release ibuprofen capsules are also commonly used in households and are effective for relieving pain associated with various conditions.

To prevent dysmenorrhea, attention should be paid to dietary adjustments during menstruation. Cold or cooling foods and beverages should be avoided both before and during the menstrual period, as they may exacerbate blood stasis due to cold—a key pathogenic factor in traditional Chinese medicine. Women with heavy menstrual bleeding should avoid spicy and drying foods, which may generate internal heat, accelerate blood circulation, and worsen bleeding. Importantly, self-medication should be avoided; treatment must be individualized based on the underlying cause of dysmenorrhea and guided by proper diagnostic differentiation (e.g., TCM pattern identification).

In daily life, cultivating healthy lifestyle and dietary habits is essential. We hope this information proves helpful to you.