NSAIDS for Menstrual Cramps (Dysmenorrhoea)

With ~ 75% of women suffering from pain during their menstrual cycle, research is investigating the uterus producing greater levels of prostaglandin. NSAIDs restrict the production of prostaglandins. The study did determine that NSAIDs were more effective than paracetamol

NSAIDs include the common painkillers aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen and mefenamic acid. The review found that NSAIDs are effective in relieving period pain and appear to work better than paracetamol, but it was unclear whether any one NSAID is safer or more effective than others. NSAIDs can cause adverse effects, including indigestion, headaches and drowsiness.

Marjoribanks Jane, Proctor Michelle, Farquhar Cindy, Derks Roos S. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for dysmenorrhoea. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews: Reviews 2010 Issue 1 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd Chichester, UK. 10.1002/14651858.CD001751.pub2. 2010
http://www.mrw.interscience.wiley.com/cochrane/clsysrev/articles/CD001751/frame.html