When did it start?

Usual length

What actually helps

• Ibuprofen or naproxen

  First-line for period pain (Cochrane). With food, as on the pack.

  Boots ibuprofen

• Heat pad or patches

  Heat performs about as well as ibuprofen in trials.

  Cura-Heat patches

• TENS

  Modest evidence for cramps. Not a cure.

  Ovira TENS

• Movement

  Walking or light exercise reduces pain for a lot of people.

• Ginger or magnesium

  Small benefit in some studies. Not a substitute for pain relief.

  Boots magnesium