This post contains a paid partnership with Evana/Ultravana®. All opinions are my own
Let’s be honest: period pain is absolutely rubbish. When you’re curled up on the sofa with a hot water bottle at 7am feeling like your insides have declared war, the last thing you need is “just take some paracetamol.” Paracetamol, for most period pain, does practically nothing.
There is a better option, and it’s been sitting in most pharmacies for years. Here’s what you actually need to know about which painkillers work for period pain and why the ones most of us reach for first are the wrong ones.
A quick note: I’m not a doctor or pharmacist. This post is based on my own research and experience, and is intended for general information only. If you have severe or unexplained period pain, or if over-the-counter painkillers aren’t helping, please speak to your GP — it could be worth investigating conditions like endometriosis or fibroids.
The Short Answer? NSAIDs Are Your Best Bet
Here’s the thing – whilst paracetamol might work for a headache, when it comes to period pain, you need something that tackles inflammation. That’s where NSAIDs come in. Anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen and naproxen don’t just mask the pain – they actually target what’s causing it in the first place.
Period pain happens because your uterus is producing prostaglandins (basically chemicals that make your womb contract). NSAIDs block these little troublemakers, which means less cramping and less pain.
I switched from paracetamol to ibuprofen for period pain about ten years ago after reading something that explained the prostaglandin mechanism — the idea that period cramps aren’t just pain, they’re caused by the uterus contracting hard in response to a specific chemical, and that ibuprofen blocks that chemical rather than just dulling the sensation. That distinction matters. Paracetamol is a painkiller. Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory. For period pain, you need the anti-inflammatory.
Why Naproxen Is a Game-Changer
If you’ve only ever reached for standard ibuprofen, you might not know about naproxen. And honestly? You’re missing out.
Naproxen is brilliant because it lasts longer than ibuprofen – we’re talking up to 12 hours of relief compared to ibuprofen’s 4-6 hours. That means you’re not constantly clock-watching and popping tablets every few hours. You take it, get on with your day (or curl up with Netflix, no judgment), and actually get some proper relief.
Ultravana® period pain tablets, from Evana, contain naproxen and are specifically designed for period pain. They provide long-lasting relief so you can get back to doing whatever you need to do – whether that’s smashing it at work or just making it through the day without wanting to curl up in a ball.
What About Paracetamol?
Look, paracetamol isn’t useless. It’s just… not the best option for period pain. It can help a bit if your pain is mild, but it doesn’t tackle the inflammation. If you’re dealing with proper cramps, you’ll probably find yourself disappointed.
That said, some people do combine paracetamol with an NSAID for extra relief. Just make sure you’re following the dosage instructions and not doubling up on the same type of painkiller. Your liver will thank you.
Aspirin – Should You Bother?
Aspirin is technically an NSAID, but it’s not really used much for period pain anymore. It’s more of a blood thinner, which means it could actually make heavy periods worse. There are better options out there, so I’d personally give this one a miss.
When to Take Your Period Pain Tablets
Here’s a tip that makes a massive difference: don’t wait until you’re in agony to take painkillers. If you know your period is coming (or you’ve just started), take them straightaway. Getting ahead of the pain is SO much more effective than trying to catch up with it later.
This is the single most useful period pain tip I know and also the one most people ignore until they’ve had a bad month. Take the ibuprofen (or naproxen) at the very first sign your period is starting — even if the pain hasn’t arrived yet. You’re trying to suppress prostaglandin production before it peaks, not fight it after it’s already taken hold. The difference between taking it early and taking it two hours in is significant.
I usually take mine as soon as I notice the first twinge. Sometimes I’ll even take them the night before if I know my period is due the next morning. It might seem keen, but honestly? It works.
What If Over-the-Counter Options Aren’t Cutting It?
If you’re taking the maximum dose of painkillers and you’re still in absolute agony, please go and see your GP. Seriously. Period pain that interferes with your daily life isn’t something you just have to put up with – it could be a sign of conditions like endometriosis or fibroids.
Your doctor might be able to prescribe stronger painkillers, or look into other treatments like hormonal contraception which can help reduce period pain altogether.
Other Things That Can Help
Painkillers are brilliant, but they work even better when you combine them with other tactics:
- Heat is your friend. Hot water bottles, heat pads, warm baths – they all help relax those cramping muscles.
- Gentle movement can actually help. I know you probably don’t feel like going for a run, but even a gentle walk can ease things.
- Stay hydrated. Dehydration can make cramps worse (as if they needed any help).
- Cut down on caffeine and alcohol. They can increase inflammation, which is the opposite of what we want.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to period pain, NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen are genuinely your best bet. They tackle the root cause of the pain rather than just masking it. And if you want something that lasts longer so you’re not constantly reaching for the packet, naproxen-based options like Ultravana® are worth looking into.
Period pain is rubbish, but it doesn’t have to completely derail your month. Find what works for you, don’t be afraid to try different options, and remember – if nothing seems to help, speak to your GP. You deserve to feel comfortable in your own body, even when it’s being a pain (literally).
Period pain that is genuinely debilitating — that takes you out for a day or more, that painkillers don’t touch, or that’s getting worse over time — is worth taking seriously and not just managing with over-the-counter tablets. That’s the point where a GP conversation becomes necessary, because conditions like endometriosis are commonly underdiagnosed and commonly present as severe period pain that’s assumed to just be normal.
If the information here helps with standard-level cramps, great. If you’re dealing with something more severe, please don’t just manage it alone.
Ready to Learn More?
Explore the complete guides:
Understanding Your Cycle:
- How to Exercise During Your Menstrual Cycle: A Week-by-Week Guide
- Can Exercise Really Help With PMS? Here’s What the Science Says
Managing Hormonal Conditions:
- PCOS and Exercise: What Actually Works (And What Doesn’t)
- Endometriosis and Fitness: How to Stay Active When Everything Hurts
Life Stage Changes:
- Perimenopause and Exercise: Why Your Usual Routine Might Not Be Working Anymore
- Menopause and Fitness: The Importance of Exercise for Women’s Health
Supporting Your Hormones: