Primary dysmenorrhoea (period pain) affects up to 90% of menstruating women at some point and is most often caused by prostaglandin-mediated uterine contractions. NSAIDs are the first-line pharmacological treatment — they block cyclooxygenase, reduce prostaglandin synthesis, and address the underlying mechanism (rather than just the pain).
Stocked option. Naproxen 500 mg (the long-acting NSAID with strong dysmenorrhoea evidence — taken at first symptom and continued every 12 hours during heaviest 2–3 days) as Naprosyn. Browse our broader Pijnstillende medicatie catalogue for ibuprofen 400 mg (every 6–8 hours), mefenamic acid 500 mg (specifically licensed for dysmenorrhoea, every 8 hours), diclofenac 50 mg, and other NSAIDs.
For longer-term cycle and pain control — see related categories. Combined oral contraceptive pills suppress ovulation and substantially reduce dysmenorrhoea + period heaviness — see our Contraceptive Pill catalogue (Yaz with shorter pill-free interval is particularly useful). Levonorgestrel intrauterine system (Mirena) and depot progestogens cause amenorrhoea in many users. For severe dysmenorrhoea unresponsive to NSAIDs + COCP, consider endometriosis evaluation (gynaecology referral).
Hoe te gebruiken. Start NSAID 1 day before expected period if cycle is predictable, or at first symptom of pain — earlier is more effective than waiting. Take with food to reduce GI side-effects. Combine with heat (hot water bottle), gentle exercise, and regular meals. Avoid alcohol with NSAIDs.
Belangrijk. NSAID contraindications: peptic ulcer history, severe asthma (NSAID-induced asthma), CKD, anticoagulant therapy without specialist review, severe heart failure. Pregnancy: avoid NSAIDs in third trimester (premature ductus arteriosus closure). Severe persistent dysmenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea unresponsive to NSAIDs, deep dyspareunia, dyschezia, or chronic pelvic pain warrants gynaecology evaluation for endometriosis or adenomyosis — these are missed for an average of 7+ years from symptom onset to diagnosis. Heavy menstrual bleeding with anaemia warrants iron studies and gynaecology referral. All MedsBase products ship from WHO-GMP gecertificeerde fabrikanten met discrete verpakking en vallen onder onze Reshipment Assurance Policy.