Medicine for cramps includes anti-inflammatories, analgesics, contraceptive medications, and GnRH analogs, which can be prescribed by a gynecologist or your primary care provider.

Natural options like following a proper diet and applying heat to the abdominal area are a good way to complement the use of medications and can help relieve cramps more quickly.

Treatment of menstrual cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea, should be managed by a gynecologist or primary care provider, especially if the cramps are very painful or are accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, headache, or leg pain. This is important for identifying an underlying cause and receiving the best treatment.

male healthcare provider with female patient

Common medications

Medications used to treat menstrual cramps include:

1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed medications for relief of period pain. NSAIDs work by reducing the production of prostaglandins in the body, which are inflammatory substances that trigger uterine contractions.

The most commonly prescribed NSAIDs for period cramps are:

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin);
Mefenamic acid (Ponstel);
Ketoprofen (Orudis);
Piroxicam (Feldene);
Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn);
Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin).

While these medications can provide significant relief from discomfort caused by menstrual cramps, they should only be taken for the shortest amount of time possible and at the dose prescribed by your doctor. This is due to the potential for side effects like stomachache, nausea, and swelling.

2. Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is another type of pain medicine that may be recommended by your doctor for relief from menstrual cramps.

Acetaminophen can be purchased at pharmacies or drug stores and is available over the counter (without a prescription). It is recommended to check with your doctor or primary care provider before taking acetaminophen, as certain contraindications exist such as liver problems and impaired bone marrow function.

3. Birth control

Hormonal contraceptives (birth control) that contain progesterone, or a combination of estrogen and progesterone, inhibit ovulation and reduce the amount of prostaglandins that act on the uterus, providing pain relief and reducing menstrual flow.

The most common forms of hormonal birth control include:

Oral contraceptives (birth control pills);
Birth control patch (Xulane or Twirla);
Birth control ring (Nuvaring);
Contraceptive implant (Nexplanon);
Birth control shot (Depo Provera);
Hormonal IUD (Mirena).

These medications may be prescribed as a first-line treatment for period cramps in women or people assigned female at birth (AFAB) who want to avoid pregnancy and do not have any contraindications to hormonal birth control. The use of hormonal contraceptives may reduce the severity of menstrual cramps by up to 90%.

It is important to stress, however, that while hormonal contraceptives help prevent pregnancy, they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Barrier methods like condoms are therefore recommended every time you have sex to avoid STIs.

4. GnRH analogs

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and antagonists may be prescribed as a second-line therapy for the treatment of dysmenorrhea (period pain) caused by endometriosis. They work by suppressing ovulation and decreasing levels of estrogen in the body and require a monthly injection.

GnRH agonists include nafarelin, leuprolide acetate, and goserelin. GnRH antagonists include elagolix. Possible side effects include loss of bone mineral density, hot flashes, and sleep disturbances.

The American Society of Reproductive Medicine recommends use of these medications only in the case of laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis, and they are not considered long-term therapies. Treatment with these medications may also require the use of replacement estrogen and progesterone to help prevent bone loss.

Natural remedies

Some natural remedies for period cramps, like ginger tea, have antispasmodic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and calming properties, which help relieve pain and can be used to complement the use of medications prescribed by your doctor or other healthcare provider.

Other natural ways to relieve menstrual cramps include engaging in regular, moderate-intensity physical exercise; taking a warm, relaxing bath; and/or applying warm compresses to the abdomen to promote vasodilation and help relieve pain.

Taking supplements like magnesium, vitamins B6 and B1, and omega-3 fatty acids can also help reduce menstrual cramps.