Study Finds 2 in 3 Period-Pain Purchases Are Paracetamol as Ibuprofen Proves More Effective
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 14
Study Finds 2 in 3 Period-Pain Purchases Are Paracetamol as Ibuprofen Proves More Effective
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 14
Summary
211 million supermarket transactions in England showed paracetamol was the painkiller most often bought with tampons and sanitary towels, despite ibuprofen being better suited to menstrual cramps.
Half of menstrual-product purchases by 3.4 million shoppers included a pain remedy, and about two-thirds of those were paracetamol-based while one-third were ibuprofen.
Ibuprofen works better for many period cramps because it cuts prostaglandins—the chemicals that drive womb muscle contractions—while paracetamol mainly blocks pain signals in the brain.
Researchers called the findings a snapshot rather than a national picture, but said they expose a public-health education gap and the wider lack of research into period-pain treatment.
Severe or disabling period pain can signal conditions such as endometriosis or fibroids, and ibuprofen is not suitable for everyone, so medical advice and label checks still matter.