Period pain: Simple shopping swap for better pain relief, study reveals
A study of retail data suggests that many women use paracetamol for period pain, despite ibuprofen being more effective at targeting muscle cramps. Researchers analyzed over 200 million transactions to understand consumer habits regarding menstrual pain relief.
Why it matters
The findings provide evidence-based guidance for consumers to improve the efficacy of their self-care practices for menstrual health.
Image source, Getty Images By Michelle Roberts Digital health editor Published 15 June 2026, 00:10 BST Many women may not be using the most effective pain medication for period cramps, according to a big study of supermarket till receipts.
The article relies on scientific study data and expert medical consensus.
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