What causes period cramps?
Period cramps (dysmenorrhea) are a cramping pain in the lower belly just before or during a period. They’re caused by natural chemicals called prostaglandins that make the uterus contract.
Cramps are most common in teens and young adults and often ease with age. For many people, the right medication, taken at the right time, makes a big difference.
Listed in Ontario’s minor ailments program as: Dysmenorrhea.
Common symptoms
- Cramping or aching in the lower belly
- Pain that spreads to the lower back or thighs
- Pain that starts a day or two before your period and lasts 1 to 3 days
- Sometimes nausea, loose stools, headache or tiredness
How a Kennedy pharmacist can help
Your pharmacist will ask about your periods, how bad the pain is, and what you’ve tried. They’ll also check for signs that something else may be causing the pain.
They may prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication and explain how to take it for the best effect, often starting a day before your period is due. We’ll also go over heat, gentle exercise and other things that help.
If we think you’d be better served by a doctor, we’ll tell you, and help you figure out where to go.
Medicines a pharmacist may consider
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)an anti-inflammatory, works best started early
- Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox)a longer-lasting anti-inflammatory
- Mefenamic acida prescription anti-inflammatory used for period pain
- Celecoxib (Celebrex) or diclofenacother anti-inflammatories, for some people
Your pharmacist chooses based on your symptoms, age, pregnancy, allergies and other medications, so not every option is right for everyone. Brand names are examples. We often use the generic version, which works the same and usually costs less.
What it costs
The assessment is free with a valid Ontario health card. It’s paid for by the province, just like a visit to your doctor.
If you’re prescribed something, the medicine is paid for like any other prescription: through your drug plan, the Ontario Drug Benefit (65+ and other eligible people), OHIP+ (under 25 without a private plan), or out of pocket.
Good to know: Here’s a tip many people don’t know: anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or naproxen can be covered by some drug plans when a pharmacist prescribes them, instead of you paying full price off the shelf.
No Ontario health card? Text or call us first and we’ll tell you the fee before we start.
When to see a doctor instead
See your family doctor, a walk-in clinic or a nurse practitioner if:
- Your periods have suddenly become much more painful than usual
- You have pain at other times of the month, or pain during sex
- Your periods are very heavy (soaking a pad or tampon every hour or two)
- Pain medicine isn’t helping, or you regularly miss school or work
- You have unusual discharge or a fever
Call 911 or go to the ER if:
- Severe pain on one side of your belly, especially if your period is late or you might be pregnant
- Fainting, or heavy bleeding with dizziness
Not sure? Call Health811 (dial 811) any time to speak with a registered nurse, free.