The Real Reason Midol Can Help Relieve Cramps

Period pain is a real, well, pain. According to WebMD, the long list of period-induced pains such as bloating and cramping typically last between two to three days. And the severity of the symptoms can range from mild to day-destroying. Luckily, we have found ways to manage the pain as best we can. And in addition to the more natural methods of heating pads, long walks, and calling our best friends for a venting session, there is also the option of taking a Midol.

According to USA RX, Midol has been on the market for over 50 years and is a pain medication specifically geared to provide multi-symptom relief leading up to and during a woman's menstrual cycle. Midol is the brand name of an over-the-counter pain relief medicine. Its active ingredient is ibuprofen. 

While ibuprofen is also an active ingredient in other popular pain medications like Advil, and Motrin, Midol's official website claims its medication is "specifically formulated to relieve more of your period symptoms, including cramps and bloating."

The "specific formula" in some Midol products includes the ingredient Naproxen, per USA RX. Naproxen is used to relieve pain from various conditions such as headaches, muscle aches, tendonitis, dental pain, and menstrual cramps, noted WebMD. Kimberly Sackheim, a pain management specialist at NYU Langone's Rusk Rehabilitation shared with Cosmopolitan that Naproxen is the perfect weapon to use against your seemingly never-ending period cramps because it lasts longer than other over-the-counter anti-inflammatories do.

Okay, so we know that Midol contains the two pain-easing warriors ibuprofen and Naproxen. But that doesn't mean you should be popping Midol like Mentos, because the medicine also contains the pain management drug, acetaminophen. OB-GYN Tamika K. Cross explained to Cosmopolitan how vital it is for consumers of over-the-counter medicines to be aware of just how much acetaminophen they are taking. "It's important that patients aren't taking more than 3,000 mg of acetaminophen in a 24-hour period," explained Cross, "which is why it's important to remember when taking an unlabeled pill from a friend or coworker." 

If taking Midol doesn't seem to work for you, talk with your doctor about alternative medications and other natural healing methods. After all, there are a lot of other pain management options available. We hope you find a method that works best for you so your day won't be derailed by painful menstrual cramps!