What are the Western medicines for menstrual pain?
Dysmenorrhea is a common symptom for many women during menstruation, and in severe cases it can even affect daily life and work. In order to relieve menstrual cramps, many people choose Western medicine to relieve pain. This article will introduce in detail the common Western medicines for analgesics, and attach structured data to help you better understand the characteristics and usage of these medicines.
1. Common Western medicines for analgesic menstruation

Here are several Western medicines commonly used to relieve menstrual cramps, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other types of pain relievers:
| Drug name | Mechanism of action | Common brands | Usage and dosage | Things to note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ibuprofen | Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, reducing pain and inflammation | Fenbit, Merrill Lynch | 200-400mg each time, once every 4-6 hours | Patients with gastric ulcer should use with caution and avoid taking on an empty stomach. |
| naproxen | NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation | Naprosyn | 250-500mg each time, 2 times a day | Long-term use may increase cardiovascular risk |
| Acetaminophen | Pain relief by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis in the central nervous system | Tylenol, paracetamol | 500-1000mg each time, once every 4-6 hours | Excessive dosage may damage the liver, no more than 4000mg per day |
| mefenamic acid | NSAIDs, specifically for menstrual cramps | Ponstel | 500mg first, then 250mg every 6 hours | May cause gastrointestinal discomfort |
2. How to choose analgesics that suits you
When choosing analgesics, you need to decide based on your personal physical condition and the degree of dysmenorrhea:
1.Mild dysmenorrhea: You can choose acetaminophen, which has less irritation to the gastrointestinal tract and is suitable for people with sensitive stomachs.
2.Moderate to severe dysmenorrhea: It is recommended to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen, which can not only relieve pain but also reduce inflammation.
3.Special groups: Pregnant women, lactating women or people with chronic diseases (such as liver disease, kidney disease) should take medication under the guidance of a doctor.
3. Side effects and precautions of painkillers
Although Western medicine can effectively relieve dysmenorrhea, long-term or excessive use may cause side effects:
| drug type | Common side effects | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen) | Gastrointestinal discomfort, gastric ulcer, renal impairment | Avoid taking on an empty stomach, long-term use requires monitoring of kidney function |
| Acetaminophen | Hepatotoxicity (in case of overdose) | Follow dosage strictly and avoid taking with alcohol |
4. Other methods to relieve menstrual cramps
In addition to Western medicine, you can also try the following methods to relieve menstrual cramps:
1.Hot compress: Apply a hot water bottle or warm baby on the abdomen to help relax muscles and relieve pain.
2.diet modification: Reduce caffeine and salt intake and eat more magnesium-rich foods (such as nuts, green leafy vegetables).
3.sports: Moderate exercise (such as yoga, walking) can promote blood circulation and relieve menstrual cramps.
4.Traditional Chinese Medicine Conditioning: Some traditional Chinese medicines (such as Angelica sinensis and Motherwort) can also help relieve menstrual cramps, but they need to be used under the guidance of a professional physician.
5. Summary
Although dysmenorrhea is common, symptoms can be effectively relieved through reasonable drug selection and lifestyle adjustments. Western medicines such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen are common pain relief options, but attention should be paid to usage, dosage and potential side effects. If the symptoms of dysmenorrhea are severe or last for a long time, it is recommended to seek medical treatment in time to rule out the possibility of other gynecological diseases.
I hope this article can help you better understand Western medicine for menstrual pain and provide a reference for your healthy life!
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