Waking up to a throbbing pain in your lower abdomen and finding out you\u2019ve got your period is one of the worst feelings ever. Know that you aren\u2019t alone. Approximately 80% of women experience menstrual cramps at some point. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now, what exactly leads to menstrual cramps? During the menstrual cycle, the cervix dilates naturally. It allows blood and menstrual tissue to clear out from the body, which is why periods are painful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The discomfort you experience during periods is due to the fact that the cervix dilates for a few days for about less than a centimeter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the world stops for no one, not even the bleeding woman. In order to go about your day, getting relief from menstrual cramps is important. Assuming you\u2019ve tried every remedy, but despite that, your period cramps decided to stay. If that\u2019s the case, we\u2019ve got a solution: try over-the-counter medicines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t know which one works and which doesn\u2019t? Continue reading to learn about the four OTC medications that may provide relief against menstrual cramps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is your hot-water bag doing nothing to relieve menstrual cramps? Try acetaminophen or Tylenol. While this non-opioid antipyretic and analgesic agent is marketed to treat fever and pain, it works well in reducing menstrual cramps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tylenol alleviates pain by targeting the brain area that processes pain and body temperature. Now, it\u2019s important to note that the drug can help reduce menstrual cramps, but it\u2019s safe and effective only when used at the correct dosage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Acetaminophen or Tylenol is broken down by the liver, which is why it poses health risks. In the worst-case scenario, it can damage your liver severely. That means you shouldn\u2019t combine it with any alcoholic beverage, as it will stress out the liver and lead to permanent damage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, in-utero exposure to Tylenol is believed to increase your child\u2019s risk of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and other developmental disorders. With this new theory emerged the Tylenol lawsuit<\/a>, where plaintiffs claim that Tylenol use during pregnancy causes autism. <\/p>\n\n\n\n TorHoerman Law reveals that Tylenol distributors like Walmart and other pharmacies could also face lawsuits for failing to warn people of the potential risks. While getting your period during pregnancy is impossible, many women mistake uterine bleeding for periods. You never know, you may be experiencing bleeding or spotting due to pregnancy, not periods. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Thus, if you\u2019re trying to conceive, it\u2019s best to avoid taking Tylenol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can put you out of your misery effectively is ibuprofen. This drug targets menstrual cramps by blocking the production of prostaglandins. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Taking about 200 to 400 mg a day, i.e., one to two pills, will alleviate pain. Just be sure to take it after having your meal so that you don\u2019t experience any immediate side effects<\/a>. As a bonus, they are tiny, which means they are easy to swallow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Anyone who intends to take over-the-counter ibuprofen mustn\u2019t take more than 1,200 mg a day. That\u2019s because its side effects could be dangerous. However, avoid ibuprofen if you have sensitive stomach or kidney-related issues because it can worsen your condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Another drug that relieves menstrual cramps but is difficult to find is celecoxib. However, you\u2019ll surely find it in the medicine box of elderly members of your home, as it\u2019s used to treat arthritis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Just like other medicines, the dosage is important when it comes to celecoxib. Overusing the drug can lead to stomach ulcers, so bear that in mind. Nevertheless, the good thing about this NSAID is that it is less likely to block enzymes, unlike other NSAIDs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As it goes easier on the insides, you can pop one at the onset of your period because that\u2019s when your body needs a bit of TLC. Women with clotting disorders must refrain from consuming this drug without consulting their physician or gynecologist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
3. Celecoxib<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
4. Naproxen (Aleve)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n