What if anti-inflammatory therapy for period pain does not relieve painful periods?

Anti-inflammatory medicines reduce prostaglandin activity, which can lessen uterine cramping. They may work less well when started late, taken inconsistently, or used at a dose that is not suitable for you. Severe or changing pain can also reflect endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids, pelvic infection, or another condition. Pain between periods, pain during sex, heavy bleeding, bowel symptoms, or difficulty becoming pregnant can provide useful clues.

Write down when pain begins, where it is felt, how it affects activity, and whether bleeding or bowel symptoms occur with it. Take the medicine only according to its instructions and do not combine anti-inflammatory products unless a clinician or pharmacist confirms that is appropriate. A review may include an examination, blood tests, or imaging. Other medicines, hormonal treatment, heat, or specialist care may be considered according to the cause and your pregnancy plans.

Seek urgent care for sudden severe pelvic pain, fainting, fever, repeated vomiting, a positive pregnancy test with pain or bleeding, or bleeding that makes you weak or light-headed. Get prompt advice for black stools, vomiting blood, wheezing, facial swelling, or severe stomach pain after an anti-inflammatory medicine.

When should I start the medicine in my cycle? Is another cause of pain possible? Are my other medicines or health conditions relevant? What treatment can protect my stomach or kidneys if an anti-inflammatory is unsuitable?