# Drugs for period pain relief query **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [February 16, 2005, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drugs-for-period-pain-relief-query/290441 "2005-02-16T23:15:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Essured](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/278dde/32.png) [@Essured](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Essured)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2005, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drugs-for-period-pain-relief-query/290441/1 "2005-02-16T23:15:18Z")
The following was written regarding a particular brand of drug used for relief from period pain. The drug contains 275mg Naproxen sodium. > [@](#): > > … the cause of period pain is most probably tiny molecules called prostaglandins. When you have your period these are released to help the muscles of your uterus contract so it can expel its lining. The strength of contractions depends on the amount of prostaglandins your body produces. If your body produces a lot of these molecules, or if you are particularly sensitive to them, they will cause you pain. [brand] has been made especially for period pain. It reduces the amount prostaglandins produced, this reduces contractions and therefore reduces pain. It seems to me that: In order to menstruate, contractions of the uterus occur Prostaglandins control these contractions This drug limits the volume of prostaglandins If this is the case, would taking this drug slow the rate of menstruation, or does menstruation somehow proceed at the same rate but with no uterine contractions? If capsules are ingested, is there a corresponding increase in the length of time that menstruation will take? Will excessive use of these drugs result in a much longer, but much lighter flow? Would it be possible to halt all prostaglandin production and so halt menstruation? Thanks in advance! ---
**Author:** ![AskNott](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asknott/32/5790_2.png) [@AskNott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AskNott)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2005, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drugs-for-period-pain-relief-query/290441/2 "2005-02-16T23:34:09Z")
Naproxen sodium is a generic anti-imflammatory drug. I can tell you from experience that it eases joint and muscle pain. I was born without a uterus, so I can’t tell you its effect on menstrual cramps. Generic naproxen is available as a house-brand pill, and it probably is cheaper that way than packaged as an anti-cramp pain reliever. Compare the prices It seems to be a trend to label a painkiller for a specific kind of pain, and charge more for it. You can find Tylenol® for Back Pain, Tylenol for Arthritis, and Tylenol for Migraine. Check the labels, and you’ll see they’re all the same pill as regular Tylenol. Check the label of house-brand “non-aspirin painkiller,” and you’ll find the same ingredient, acetaminophen, for a much smaller price. ---
**Author:** ![easy\_e](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/eb8c5e/32.png) [@easy\_e](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/easy_e)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2005, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drugs-for-period-pain-relief-query/290441/3 "2005-02-17T03:11:56Z")
Any COX inhibitor (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, etc) works as an anti-prostaglandin. I don’t think you’ll experience a longer period. There are other mechanisms than prostaglandins to ensure the sloughing off of the endometrium. ---
**Author:** ![LisaRx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/77aa72/32.png) [@LisaRx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LisaRx)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2005, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drugs-for-period-pain-relief-query/290441/4 "2005-02-17T03:39:47Z")
The sloughing of the uterus depends on hormones, not inflammatory response. Inflammation is just un unpleasant companion in the process. If possible, you would want to use an anti-inflammatory, which rules out acetaminophen. ---
**Author:** ![GilaB](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/8e7dd6/32.png) [@GilaB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GilaB)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2005, 6:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drugs-for-period-pain-relief-query/290441/5 "2005-02-17T06:31:08Z")
Also avoid aspirin, which prevents clotting and can increase the level of blood loss. In my own experience (being the posessor of an occasionally cranky uterus), naproxen doesn’t affect the heaviness or timing of my period. Of course, I’m just taking generic naproxen, not Super Anti-Period Naproxen ™ 😉