When women experience painful period cramps, they face a dilemma – is it safe to take painkillers to ease the pain? However, the endless hearsay about painkillers disrupting the menstrual cycle discourages them from taking one and they endure the pain in silence instead.
This isn’t the case for many women, who can’t help, but take a painkiller when they get cramps that are too intense at times. “I’ve had severe cramping issues ever since I got my first cycle,” says Kiran Kannan, 24, a chartered accountant from Chennai, “I used to experience excruciating sensations in my lower back and left leg. Once it became so bad that I almost fainted while riding my bike,” she recalls.
Contrary to popular belief, it is safe to take painkillers to relieve period cramps when taken as per a doctor’s guidance, doctors tell Happiest Health.
Period pain: When to take painkillers
Period cramps are called dysmenorrhea and there are two types – primary and secondary dysmenorrhea. “Primary dysmenorrhea is often experienced by younger girls, especially when they get their menses for the first time. This is because their reproductive organs haven’t completely developed,” explains Dr Sonal Kumta, senior consultant, obstetrics and gynaecology, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, Mumbai. “The intensity of the cramps tends to reduce for women post pregnancy.”
Dr Kumta says that secondary dysmenorrhea is a type of pain that can be easily distinguished from your regular period pain, especially for girls in their menarche (first occurrence of menstruation). “The cramps are described as being so excruciating that they may faint from the pain,” adds Dr Kumta. Medical conditions like fibroids, polyps, endometriosis or cyst in the ovary are some of the causes of this pain.
Painkillers to the rescue to relieve period cramps
“I do recommend that women take a painkiller as and when they require it, especially if they feel like their productivity is jeopardised,” she says. Dr Kumta also assures that it will not disrupt the cycle or cause addiction. “The chance of addiction can be ruled out as they are only consuming it one or two days in a month,” she says.
She explains that it is only a problem when the painkiller is not flushed out of the system. “If it’s for a person with chronic kidney disease (CKD), it’s not recommended as the failing kidneys would not be able to filter it out.”
Though doctors advise against taking painkillers in the anticipation of the pain (when there is no pain at all), they point out that painkillers must be consumed in the beginning stages of the pain. Dr Yashica Gudesar, consultant – obstetrics and gynaecology, HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Delhi, explains that the painkiller is ineffective if it is consumed during a high level of pain. “This is because the prostaglandins [a hormone-like substance that induces pain] in the uterus have already been released, thus making the medication futile,” she says.
If the pain and discomfort persist even after taking one to two doses of paracetamol or antispasmodic medicine, one must seek quick medical attention and meet a gynaecologist, say doctors. “If you are forced to take medication during each cycle, it is usually a warning sign and should be consulted with a doctor,” says Dr A Prasanna Latha, senior obstetrician and gynaecologist, Kamineni Hospitals, Hyderabad.
Experts also warn that one must consult a doctor before buying over-the-counter painkillers.
Natural ways to relieve period pain
Doctors advise that, in addition to taking paracetamol, there are natural methods that can be used to reduce period pain.
“Hormonal issues have a significant connection with our lifestyle. This is not to say that if you make lifestyle changes, you will not have period cramps, but the severity will be reduced,” explains Dr Kumta. Physical activity, exercise and eating healthy meals on time can help to correct PMS problems.
Meanwhile, Dr Gudesar explains that the intensity of the pain can be due to certain deficiencies. “Some people complain about leg cramps when they’re on their period. It is due to the deficiency of magnesium and calcium. After diagnosis, women can take supplements to tackle the deficiency and use techniques like massage and leg exercises to get relief from the pain.” She points out the importance of nutrients like protein, calcium, magnesium and multivitamins in the diet.
Dr Gudesar also notes that if the intensity of the cramps is high, women can do mild exercises. “High-intensity exercise must be started slowly and not right away as it might cause cramps. Start slow and reach the intensity with time, depending on how your body copes.” She advises practising yoga while on periods and doing breathing and mild aerobic exercises.
Dr Latha underlines the importance of hydration while menstruating. “Hydration can relieve the muscle cramps and ease the pain,” she says.
Takeaways
- Period pains are of two kinds – primary and secondary dysmenorrhea. Secondary dysmenorrhea needs medical attention as it is caused by fibroids, polyps, endometriosis or cysts in the ovary.
- Consult a doctor before buying over-the-counter painkillers.
- Lifestyle changes like physical activity, exercise and eating healthy meals on time can help reduce the intensity of the cramps over time.
