Long-term, high-dose NSAID use has been linked to a small increase in cardiovascular risk.

“This doesn’t mean people should avoid pain relief altogether, but it does mean it’s important to use the right medication, at the right time and ideally under medical guidance if periods are very painful,” Farah adds.

For certain people, alternatives like mefenamic acid (another NSAID designed specifically for period pain) or hormonal options like the pill or IUS (e.g. Mirena coil) may be more effective long-term strategies.

Advice and further support

Farah advises that if period pain is affecting your quality of life, especially if it interferes with daily activities, it’s not something you just have to live with.

“Painful periods can be a sign of underlying conditions like endometriosis or adenomyosis, and early management makes a huge difference,” she assures, outlining four key messages for anyone who has found themselves guilty of gritting their teeth and bearing the pain:

– Don’t wait until the pain is unbearable. Why suffer? Treat early!
– Keep a period diary or use a tracking app to spot patterns.
– Talk to your GP if you’re using painkillers regularly, especially if the pain is severe or – resistant to treatment.

You deserve to feel well and function during your period, managing pain is not weakness but actually a form of self-care.
Don’t mind me, just on the way to Boots to do a guilt-free stock-up of paracetamol tablets!

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