Understanding Period Pain

Period pain (known medically as dysmenorrhoea) affects many women and can range from mild cramps to severe pain that disrupts daily life. While some discomfort is common, for others it can interfere with work, study, and quality of life.

At Balance Pharmacy, we provide a private period pain relief service for eligible women. Following a confidential consultation, our pharmacists may supply naproxen tablets (a prescription-only anti-inflammatory medicine) to help relieve painful periods.

WHO IT’S FOR

Who Can Use the Service?

Our pharmacists will assess you and confirm if the service is right for you.

Inclusion Criteria

  • Women aged 16 to 50 years with painful periods (dysmenorrhoea)

  • Symptoms that are typical of period pain and not linked to another underlying condition

  • Women who have provided valid consent

Exclusion Criteria

This service may not be suitable if:

  • You are under 16 or over 50 years old

  • Your pain has started more than 1 year after your first period (this may indicate another condition)

  • You have unexplained bleeding or symptoms suggesting another underlying issue (e.g. fibroids, endometriosis, infection)

  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding

  • You have a history of stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis

  • You are allergic to naproxen, aspirin, or other NSAIDs

  • You have asthma, heart failure, kidney or liver problems

  • You take certain medicines such as methotrexate, anticoagulants, ciclosporin, or lithium

If any exclusion applies, we’ll refer you to your GP for further investigation.

WHO IT’S FOR

Who Can Use the Service?

Our pharmacists will assess you and confirm if the service is right for you.

Inclusion Criteria

  • Women aged 16 to 50 years with painful periods (dysmenorrhoea)

  • Symptoms that are typical of period pain and not linked to another underlying condition

  • Women who have provided valid consent

Exclusion Criteria

This service may not be suitable if:

  • You are under 16 or over 50 years old

  • Your pain has started more than 1 year after your first period (this may indicate another condition)

  • You have unexplained bleeding or symptoms suggesting another underlying issue (e.g. fibroids, endometriosis, infection)

  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding

  • You have a history of stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis

  • You are allergic to naproxen, aspirin, or other NSAIDs

  • You have asthma, heart failure, kidney or liver problems

  • You take certain medicines such as methotrexate, anticoagulants, ciclosporin, or lithium

If any exclusion applies, we’ll refer you to your GP for further investigation.

If suitable, our pharmacists can supply:

Medicine: Naproxen 250mg tablets

How it works: Naproxen is an anti-inflammatory pain reliever (NSAID) that reduces cramping and inflammation during periods.

  • First dose: 500mg (two tablets) at the onset of period pain

  • Then 250mg every 6–8 hours as needed

  • Max daily dose: 750mg (three tablets) after day one

  • Can be used for up to 3 days per cycle

  • Always take with food to reduce stomach irritation

Safety and Cautions

Our pharmacists will carry out a clinical assessment before supplying naproxen. Special care is needed if you have:

  • High blood pressure or cardiovascular risks

  • Are taking diuretics, corticosteroids, SSRIs, or anticoagulants (higher bleeding risk)

  • Are recovering from major surgery

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  • Are at risk of drug interactions (with lithium, phenytoin, zidovudine, digoxin, or certain antibiotics like ciprofloxacin)

We will only supply treatment if it is safe for you.

Like all medicines, naproxen can cause side effects. Common ones include: Stomach upset, nausea, diarrhoea, or constipation, Headache, dizziness, or fatigue, Skin rash

Serious but rare side effects: Stomach bleeding or ulcers, Breathing difficulties or asthma attack (in sensitive individuals). Visual disturbances, mood changes, or drowsiness, Seek urgent medical help if you notice signs of bleeding, severe abdominal pain, chest pain, or shortness of breath.

If suitable, our pharmacists can supply:

Medicine: Naproxen 250mg tablets

How it works: Naproxen is an anti-inflammatory pain reliever (NSAID) that reduces cramping and inflammation during periods.

  • First dose: 500mg (two tablets) at the onset of period pain

  • Then 250mg every 6–8 hours as needed

  • Max daily dose: 750mg (three tablets) after day one

  • Can be used for up to 3 days per cycle

  • Always take with food to reduce stomach irritation

Safety and Cautions

Our pharmacists will carry out a clinical assessment before supplying naproxen. Special care is needed if you have:

  • High blood pressure or cardiovascular risks

  • Are taking diuretics, corticosteroids, SSRIs, or anticoagulants (higher bleeding risk)

  • Are recovering from major surgery

  • Your Content Goes Here

  • Are at risk of drug interactions (with lithium, phenytoin, zidovudine, digoxin, or certain antibiotics like ciprofloxacin)

We will only supply treatment if it is safe for you.

Like all medicines, naproxen can cause side effects. Common ones include: Stomach upset, nausea, diarrhoea, or constipation, Headache, dizziness, or fatigue, Skin rash

Serious but rare side effects: Stomach bleeding or ulcers, Breathing difficulties or asthma attack (in sensitive individuals). Visual disturbances, mood changes, or drowsiness, Seek urgent medical help if you notice signs of bleeding, severe abdominal pain, chest pain, or shortness of breath.

FAQs – Period Pain Relief

At the first sign of period pain. Starting early often provides the best relief.

Yes, but only for up to 3 days each period. Our pharmacists will review your use regularly.

Naproxen works in a similar way but lasts longer, providing sustained pain relief.

Not necessarily. Our pharmacists are trained to assess and supply treatment safely. If your symptoms suggest something more serious, we’ll refer you on.

No — naproxen provides pain relief only and does not affect fertility or hormones.

Book Your Consultation

Don’t let period pain control your life. Book a private consultation with Balance Pharmacy and access safe, effective relief.

Appointments are quick, professional, and confidential.

Book online now or call us on 01889 562063 to speak with a member of our pharmacy team.