Part of the Access Doctor period pain guide.
How to Stop Period Pain: Immediate Relief & Treatment UK
A clinically reviewed UK guide to stopping period pain — immediate steps, the right medicines taken at the right time, heat and non-pharmacological options, and when to get prescription treatment.
▶ Most important rule
NSAIDs work best for period pain when taken at the first sign of pain or bleeding — not once pain is severe. Period pain is driven by prostaglandins that peak early; starting anti-inflammatory treatment before prostaglandin levels are high significantly improves effectiveness. Waiting until the pain is severe means fighting an already-established inflammatory process.
NSAIDs
Most effective treatment — target the prostaglandins causing the pain
Early
Start treatment at first sign of pain — not once severe
Heat
Moderate evidence — effective alongside NSAIDs
+ paracetamol
Safe to combine NSAID with paracetamol for additional relief
Why Timing Matters: The Most Important Rule
Period pain is caused by prostaglandins — inflammatory signalling molecules produced by the uterine lining in response to falling progesterone at the end of the menstrual cycle. Prostaglandins trigger intense uterine contractions and reduce blood flow to the uterine muscle, causing ischaemic cramping pain.
Prostaglandin levels are highest in the first 24–48 hours of menstruation — which is why period pain is usually worst on day one or two. NSAIDs work by inhibiting the COX enzymes that produce prostaglandins, effectively reducing their levels.
The critical insight: if prostaglandins are already at peak levels when you take your first dose, the NSAID is fighting uphill. Taking an NSAID before prostaglandin levels peak — at the very first sign of pain or bleeding — keeps levels from rising as high in the first place. This is why many women find that taking an NSAID when they first feel discomfort works dramatically better than waiting until they are in severe pain.
Immediate Steps When Period Pain Strikes
1
Take an NSAID immediately — do not wait
If you have ibuprofen or naproxen, take it now. The window for preventing peak prostaglandin levels closes quickly. If you are prone to severe period pain, some women take their first dose when bleeding starts even before significant pain develops.
2
Apply heat to the lower abdomen
A heat pad, hot water bottle, or heat wrap applied to the lower abdomen provides genuine relief. Evidence suggests local heat is comparable to low-dose ibuprofen for mild-to-moderate dysmenorrhoea. Use alongside NSAIDs for additive effect.
3
Add paracetamol if needed
Paracetamol and NSAIDs work by different mechanisms and are safe to combine. Paracetamol 1g provides additional central analgesia on top of the peripheral anti-inflammatory effect of the NSAID. Never combine two NSAIDs.
4
Move gently — light movement helps
Gentle movement, a short walk, or light yoga has evidence for reducing dysmenorrhoea by improving pelvic blood flow. Staying completely still often worsens cramping.
5
Avoid caffeine and alcohol
Both can increase prostaglandin production or worsen cramping. Stick to water and herbal teas.
6
TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)
High-frequency TENS applied to the lower abdomen has reasonable evidence for dysmenorrhoea. Portable devices are available OTC. A useful non-pharmacological add-on.
Over-the-Counter Medicines
| Medicine | Dose for period pain | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ibuprofen 400mg (OTC) | 400mg every 6–8 hours with food | Take with food; start early; maximum 1,200mg/24h OTC |
| Naproxen sodium 250mg (OTC) | 250mg with an initial 500mg dose | Longer-acting than ibuprofen; fewer doses needed |
| Paracetamol 500mg–1g | 1g every 4–6 hours | Combine with NSAID; maximum 4g/24h; not anti-inflammatory but adds central analgesia |
Prescription-Strength Options
If OTC doses are not providing adequate relief, prescription-strength NSAIDs are more effective for severe dysmenorrhoea. The prescription dose targets the inflammatory process more powerfully:
- Naproxen 500mg twice daily — longer-acting; taken morning and evening during the painful days; particularly useful for women who need consistent all-day relief
- Ibuprofen 600mg three times daily — faster onset; higher dose for more severe pain; take with food
Prescription naproxen and ibuprofen 600mg for period pain available at Access Doctor: Prescription pain relief →
Hormonal options: The combined oral contraceptive pill significantly reduces dysmenorrhoea by suppressing prostaglandin production. For women who want both contraception and period pain relief, or for those whose pain is not adequately controlled by NSAIDs alone, hormonal methods are highly effective. Discuss with your GP.
Heat and Non-Pharmacological Approaches
- Heat — strong evidence; approximately 39°C applied for 8–12 hours shown comparable to low-dose ibuprofen (400mg) for dysmenorrhoea in randomised trials; use a heat pad or hot water bottle on the lower abdomen for as long as comfortable
- Exercise — regular aerobic exercise throughout the month reduces dysmenorrhoea severity; particularly yoga and aerobic exercise have evidence in RCTs
- Omega-3 fatty acids — high-dose fish oil supplementation has some evidence for reducing dysmenorrhoea; may reduce prostaglandin production via altered arachidonic acid metabolism
- TENS — high-frequency TENS to the lower abdomen reduces pain in randomised trials; OTC devices available
- Ginger — 250mg capsules four times daily reduced dysmenorrhoea in some small trials (evidence is preliminary); a safe and low-risk add-on
When Standard Treatments Are Not Enough
If your period pain is severe, getting progressively worse, not responding to prescription-strength NSAIDs, or associated with pain outside your period, pain during sex, or very heavy bleeding — this warrants investigation.
Secondary dysmenorrhoea caused by endometriosis, adenomyosis, or fibroids requires diagnosis and targeted treatment. Pain that is not controlled by NSAIDs and hormonal contraception should be investigated rather than escalated to stronger painkillers without a diagnosis.
Could your period pain be endometriosis? Endometriosis: symptoms, causes & when to seek help →
Get Prescription Period Pain Treatment Online
Prescription naproxen and ibuprofen 600mg for period pain following a short online consultation. GPhC pharmacy #9011198.
Start Consultation →Frequently Asked Questions
What stops period pain fast?
Taking an NSAID (ibuprofen or naproxen) at the first sign of pain or bleeding, before prostaglandin levels peak, is the most effective immediate approach. Apply heat to the lower abdomen alongside — evidence suggests heat is comparable to low-dose ibuprofen. Paracetamol can be added safely on top of an NSAID.
Is ibuprofen or naproxen better for period pain?
Both are effective. Ibuprofen acts faster (20–30 minutes) and needs to be taken every 6–8 hours. Naproxen has a longer duration (8–12 hours) and requires fewer doses — once or twice daily is often sufficient. For all-day relief, many women find naproxen more convenient. Prescription-strength doses of both provide stronger relief than OTC doses.
Does heat help period pain?
Yes. Evidence shows a heat pad or hot water bottle at 39–40°C applied to the lower abdomen provides meaningful relief, comparable to low-dose ibuprofen in some studies. Heat and NSAIDs have different mechanisms and can be used together for additive benefit.
Why do painkillers not work for my period pain?
If standard OTC doses are not providing adequate relief: (1) you may need prescription-strength doses — ibuprofen 600mg or naproxen 500mg; (2) the timing may be wrong — NSAIDs are much more effective taken early, not once pain is severe; (3) there may be an underlying cause (endometriosis, adenomyosis) that warrants investigation.
When should I see a doctor about period pain?
See a doctor if your pain is getting progressively worse over cycles, begins before your period or lasts beyond it, is not controlled by prescription-strength NSAIDs, is associated with pain during sex, or if you have very heavy bleeding. These features suggest secondary dysmenorrhoea requiring investigation.
References
- NICE CKS. Dysmenorrhoea. Updated 2023.
- Marjoribanks J et al. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for dysmenorrhoea. Cochrane. 2015.
- Akin M et al. Continuous low-level topical heat for primary dysmenorrhoea. Obstet Gynecol. 2001.
- NHS. Period pain. nhs.uk/conditions/period-pain
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting or changing any treatment. In a medical emergency, call 999.