MEDICATIONS TO HELP WITH PERIOD CRAMPS

Period cramps is the ghetto, the real ghetto! It could disrupt the flow of your routine activities, you in a chokehold all day long. Period cramps also known as Dysmenorrhea is triggered by the release by of a natural substance Prostaglandins which is produced within the uterus. However, there are medications that could help to manage period cramps:

OVER THE COUNTER ANALGESICS (PAIN RELIEVERS)

These are medications that can be gotten over the counter of a retail pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription. The common ones include paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Naproxen and Diclofenac. They help to greatly improve period cramps. When used as a pre-treatment (1-2 days before onset of period), they help to reduce the intensity of cramps at the beginning of period. However, some of these medications are not recommended in some people with certain conditions. Hence, It is important that you speak to your retail pharmacist for appropriate recommendation.

HORMONAL BIRTH CONTROL

Hormonal birth control such as Oral contraceptive pills, ring, Implant, IUD etc. ,  reduce the severity of cramps in some people. This is one of the non-contraceptive benefits of hormonal birth control. They work by inhibiting the production of Prostaglandins which is a substance produced in the uterus and is responsible for the painful cramps experienced by some women.

Hormonal contraceptives are a good alternative for women in need of a contraceptive and with history of painful periods.

Remember, there are a plethora of hormonal contraceptives methods, different hormonal contraceptives work effectively with different people.

EVENING PRIMROSE OIL

Thousands of women supplements are available but Evening Primrose stands tall amongst them all. Evening Primrose is a supplement present in most women supplements. This is because of the enormous benefits it provides to women’s general health.

It has been proven that Evening Primrose oil  helps to improve period cramps and also the abdominal pain that usually accompanies periods. Evening Primrose plant is a rich source of GLA (Gamma Linoleic acid) which alters the production of prostaglandins and improves the general symptoms of Periods.

Women who have evening primrose oil as a part ingredient of their daily supplements would have improved period experiences than those that do not have. 

Ensure to add Evening Primrose oil to your routine supplements!

Extremely painful menstrual cramps which do not improve with common remedies would need to see a physician. Sometimes, extremely painful periods are as a result of an underlying condition. Likewise, it may require prescription only medications. Speak with a Physician if you have had consistent painful period cramps.