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Period Pain: Signs, Symptoms and Remedies

  • Most have experienced period pain – it’s a common and normal symptom of menstruation.
  • It happens when the womb muscles contract, causing pain in the tummy area which can radiate into the back and thighs.
  • The severity and intensity of period pain can vary, from one month to another, as from one person to another.

There are some simple self-help measures you can take, to help relieve period pain and ease your symptoms, if you do suffer from it.

What to do:

  • Exercise: You might not feel like it but being active may reduce pain 

  • Relaxation can help, including yoga or pilates

  • Rest a hot water bottle (with something wrapped around it) on your tummy

  • Take a warm bath or shower: to relax and soothe tension

  • Massage using light circular movements around your tummy

  • A TENS machine: A Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation could help to relieve pain via mild electrical currents

  • Take Ibuprofen or Aspirin. Aspirin should not be taken by anyone under 16 years of age.

What to avoid:

  • Smoking: As it may add to the risk of period pain

Why Ibuprofen can help

Ibuprofen relieves pain, fever and has anti-inflammatory properties. It works for various types of pain including period pain, strains and sprains, headaches and migraines.

Why Nurofen Express Period Pain 200mg Capsules can help

Nurofen Express Period Pain 200mg Capsules can help with fast period pain relief. They start to get to work in 10 minutes* for up to 8-hours of pain relief with a 2-capsule dose.

What causes period pain:

  • Pain-triggering chemicals released from womb tissue: During your period, the womb muscle contracts causing the womb tissue to release chemicals that trigger period pains
  • IUD contraceptives can sometimes cause period pain, especially in the first few months: Releases copper to help protect against pregnancy. Periods can become heavier, longer or more painful.

Medical conditions causing pain include:

  • Endometriosis when cells that usually line the womb grow in places like the ovaries, causing intense pain when they shed
  • Fibroids non-cancerous tumours that grow in or around the womb making your periods heavy and painful
  • Adenomyosis where the womb lining tissue grows in the muscular womb wall
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease this is when your womb or fallopian tubes get infected with bacteria, causing severe inflammation.

Common types of period pain:

  • Constant, dull ache in the lower abdomen, which can spread to the back and thighs
  • Intense and sporadic spasms in the belly

If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional. All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. In all health matters for further information or medical advice, please speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

*refers to absorption

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      Always read the label.

      All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. In all health matters for further information or medical advice, please speak to your GP or a Pharmacist.

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      Nurofen Plus, Contains ibuprofen and codeine, For the short-term treatment of acute, moderate pain which is not considered to be relieved by other analgesics such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin alone. Suitable for patients over 12 years old. For 3 days use only. May cause addiction.
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      Nurofen for Children 3 months to 12 years Strawberry Suspension, Nurofen for Children 3 months to 9 years Orange Suspension, Nurofen for Children Cold, Pain and Fever 3 months to 9 years Strawberry/Orange. Contains ibuprofen. For pain and fever relief. For children from 3 months and weighing over 5kg. Nurofen for Children 100mg Chewable Capsules, Soft for children 7+ years. For pain and fever relief. For children from 7 years. Nurofen for Children Strawberry Singles 100mg/5ml Oral suspension. Contains Ibuprofen. For children over 3 months (weighing more than 5kg). For pain and fever relief. Nurofen for Children 200 mg/5 ml Orange Oral Suspension. Contains Ibuprofen. For pain and fever relief. For children from 7 years old and weighing more than 20kg. Always read the label

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      **Refers to absorption
      † 2 capsule dose
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