Does motrin help with menstrual cramps?

As any lady friend knows, periods can be a real pain in the…well, you know where. Menstrual cramps can make even the most badass boss babe feel like curling up in a ball and crying for her momma.

But fear not, my sisters! We may have just found the holy grail of period pain relief: Motrin. Yes, that good old-fashioned over-the-counter medication might hold the key to making our monthly visit from Aunt Flo less of a nightmare. But before you go popping tablets left and right, let’s take a closer look at whether or not Motrin is really all it’s cracked up to be.

What Is Motrin?

For those who don’t know their ibuprofen from their acetaminophen (that’s Tylenol for those playing at home), let’s start with some basic definitions. Motrin is the brand name for ibuprofen, which is classified as an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). In simpler terms, it means it helps reduce inflammation in your body by blocking certain enzymes.

NSAIDs are commonly used to treat everything from headaches and fever to arthritis and back pain. They work by inhibiting prostaglandins — hormones responsible for triggering inflammation — which leads to reduced swelling and pain.

So now that we’re clear on what exactly this miracle pill is made of let’s explore how well do they actually work?

The Science Behind Period Pain

Before we determine if motrin can help end menstrual suffering as we know it , lets first investigate why medicine would even consider targeting female individuals with these terrible symptoms .

Every month like clockwork without fail women ovulate so that once an egg becomes fertilized by sperm pregnancy occurs , until then aunt flow arrives.For every person born into this beautiful world they come equipped with uterus,muscles are required to contract and relax to shed the lining , if those muscles go into hyper drive or lack coordination intense pain follows. This contractions releases hormones called prostaglandins, which irritate nerve endings and create inflammation within cells lining the uterus is painful .

Women with higher than normal level of prostaglandin in their blood can experience more severe cramping vs. women with lower levels.

Now let’s get to what we’re all here for: does Motrin really help alleviate period pain?

Does Motrin Help With Menstrual Cramps?

The short answer: yes!

Studies have shown that NSAIDs like ibuprofen are effective at reducing menstrual cramps, particularly when taken preemptively. In one study published in The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, researchers reviewed 73 clinical trials involving over 20,000 participants around the world who took NSAIDs for menstrual-related symptoms.

Overall results found that nearly every woman who took an NSAID reported a reduction in pain by at least half compared to taking nothing at all . Specifically they noted that it work best when taken prophylactically’ just before your period starts as a preventative measure so you don’t have experience substantial discomfort.

How Does Ibuprofen Work on Period Pain?

NSAIDs’s inhibit enzyme responsible for making hormone-like substances like prostaglandin (PG) which caused the uterus stimpulate contractions during menstruation lowering this substance helps manage high level of stomach acid from further injuring inflammed walls.

So how much should you take? While dosage recommendations vary depending on your body weight and personal health history (always remember consult a physician first), most sources recommend starting with a dose between 200-400 mg per tablet taken up four times daily along with food.Very important because taking these pills on an empty stomach could potentially lead problematic side effects!

Possible Side Effects

When taking medications it is always important to remain vigilant and listen to your body , just like anything else Motrin may have some side effects.

Here are a few things you might experience after taking Motrin:

  • Upset stomach – Ibuprofen can cause the digestive system lining to become upset causing Nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain.
  • Heartburn – As previously mentioned , ibuprofen lowers levels of PG which helps manage high level of stomach acid. Reduced lower levels makes this ache goes haywire in some people
  • Rash – In rare cases, ibuprofen has been known to produce hives or mild rash as resulting an allergic reaction
  • Dizziness/ Light headedness/blurry vision/migraine intolerance

This does not mean that everyone will experience these symptoms but its good information nonetheless .

It’s also recommended drinking lots water when taking medication because they tend result in dehydrated bodies.

Home Remedies for Menstrual Cramps

If you’re still uncertain about incorporating medicine into dealing with cramps there many home remedies available should one choose to steer away from medications :

Heat Therapy

Getting cozy and warm with hot tea pack on top /bottom part of pelvic region uterus’ relaxation reduces cramping by relaxing contracting muscles! You don’t necessarily need fancy equipment . Producing heat by microwaving beans/bath towels (after warming them up)would sum up!

Exercise

Somewhat counterintuitive but working the body gets circulation going making sure blood flow decreases discomfort.Focusing on gentle cardio-like activity such walking lightly increases bloodflow might help ease off those terrible symptoms rubbing off pressure points if cannot hit gym .

Chamomile Tea

Is highly beneficial during menstruation as it contains components helpful in reducing inflammation. Extremely accessible at herbal markets/grocery stores 3 cups throughout period proves effective!

While home remedies provide a temporary solution they may not be enough sometimes so turning to medication could do the trick!

Conclusion

So, there you have it. The scientific evidence suggests that Motrin can indeed help alleviate menstrual cramps, and since it blocks enzymes responsible making hormones like prostaglandin which lead discomfort in sharp influx . Whether or not to choose this particular drug option is still up to an individual’s decision on whether or not medicine helps manage their symptoms without causing stomach distress.

While periods are a fact of life for those assigned female at birth but doesn’t mean going through rough time with intense pain has to happen. With that being said ibuprofen just might be your period best friend when times get tough!

Inflammation will never know what hit ’em.

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