How effective is anti-inflammatory therapy for period pain for endometriosis?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, often called NSAIDs, reduce the production of substances involved in inflammation and menstrual cramping. They may work best when taken according to a clinician's instructions as pain begins or before an expected period. Relief varies, and severe endometriosis pain may continue despite treatment.

These medicines control pain rather than remove endometriosis tissue, prevent progression or improve fertility. They can irritate the stomach and may affect the kidneys, blood pressure or bleeding risk. People with ulcers, kidney disease, certain heart conditions, asthma triggered by NSAIDs, pregnancy concerns or interacting medicines need personalised advice.

Tell your clinician about ulcers, reflux, kidney or heart problems, allergies, asthma, pregnancy plans and every medicine or supplement you use. Use only the recommended dose and do not combine different NSAIDs unless specifically advised. Taking a medicine with food may be suggested, but it does not remove all risks.

Keep a pain diary covering cycle timing, pain location, bleeding, bowel or bladder symptoms, missed activities and response to treatment. If pain remains disabling, ask about other medical, hormonal or surgical approaches and whether endometriosis needs further assessment.

Stop the medicine and seek urgent help for vomiting blood, black stools, facial swelling, trouble breathing, severe rash, fainting or very little urine. Seek prompt assessment for sudden severe pelvic pain, fever, heavy bleeding, persistent vomiting or possible pregnancy with pain. Pain that repeatedly prevents normal activities deserves a planned endometriosis review.

Ask: Which anti-inflammatory is suitable for me? When should I take it? What is the safe duration? Could it interact with my medicines? What symptoms suggest endometriosis needs another treatment? When should persistent pain trigger a review?