Supermarket Data Shows Paracetamol Bought More Often Than Ibuprofen for Period Pain
A study of loyalty card purchases found paracetamol was the most common painkiller bought with menstrual products. Researchers say ibuprofen may be more effective for cramps because it reduces prostaglandins.
BBC NewsA decade of supermarket loyalty card records shows many shoppers bought paracetamol rather than ibuprofen when purchasing tampons and sanitary towels. The data covered 211 million transactions from 3.4 million customers at one unnamed English retail chain between 2006 and 2015.
Half of the menstrual product purchases also included a pain relief item. Of those pain relief purchases, roughly two-thirds were paracetamol-based and one-third were ibuprofen-based.
How the medications work Ibuprofen blocks production of prostaglandins, the substances that trigger womb muscle contractions during menstruation. Paracetamol primarily acts in the brain to reduce pain signals and can also lower fever. Researchers noted that paracetamol may be more familiar to many people, which could explain its higher purchase rate.
Advice on use The charity Endometriosis UK recommends starting ibuprofen the day before expected pain or several days earlier to limit prostaglandin production. The NHS advises anyone whose cramps interfere with daily activities to consult a doctor, as severe pain can indicate conditions such as endometriosis or fibroids.
Ibuprofen is not suitable for everyone and can cause side effects; users should check product information before taking any medication.
