over-the-counter medicines
containing ibuprofen
include Advil and Motrin.
The researchers assigned 84
women who had cramps to
one of four groups. One used
a combination of a heated
patch and ibuprofen (200 mg
every 6 hours). A second
group used an unheated
(placebo) patch and
ibuprofen. A third group used
a heated patch and a placebo
pill. A fourth group, the
control, was given an
unheated patch and a placebo
pill.
Over the two study days, the
women using heat plus
ibuprofen, heat alone, and
ibuprofen alone reported
greater pain relief than those
on the placebo. Women using
heat with ibuprofen did not
report differences in pain
relief compared to those
using ibuprofen alone. But
with heat, they experienced
faster improvement in pain
relief: about 90 minutes after
starting, compared to nearly
three hours for those taking
medicine alone. More women
who used both heat and
ibuprofen reported complete
pain relief compared to those
in the control group, the
researchers found.
A review of studies published
in March 2014 in the Journal
of Physiotherapy found that
heat reduced women’s period
pain significantly.
Boost Endorphins Your
Way
In addition to their painrelieving effect, endorphins
can also boost your
mood. Having an orgasm
releases endorphins, Palmieri
says. Working out does as
well. Perhaps the last thing