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Is Tylenol or ibuprofen better for cramps?

Ibuprofen is typically a better choice for period cramps
Rebecca Rovenstine writer headshot
By | Sep. 18, 2024 Medically reviewed by Josephine Bawab, Pharm.D.
A woman with her hands on her stomach: Is Tylenol or ibuprofen better for cramps?

Key takeaways

  • Ibuprofen is typically a better choice for treating period cramps when compared to Tylenol.

  • If over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers are not helping, you can try home remedies, like aromatherapy and heat therapy.

  • A healthy lifestyle can help prevent the overall symptoms of period cramps for some individuals.

In this article:

For many women, periods come with unwanted menstrual cramping. The moderate to severe pain associated with menstruation, called dysmenorrhea, is a common occurrence, with over 80% of women reporting that they’ve experienced period pain. 

When a cramp strikes, which over-the-counter (OTC) pain killer is the best option for beating the aches and pains? We’ve talked to the medical experts to find out once and for all: Is Tylenol or ibuprofen better for cramps?

Is Tylenol or ibuprofen better for cramps?

First, it’s important to understand the difference between Tylenol and ibuprofen. Acetaminophen, sold under the brand name Tylenol, is an analgesic that provides pain relief and reduces fevers. Ibuprofen, which can be sold under the brand names Advil or Motrin, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps reduce inflammation, pain, and fever. 

NSAIDs also inhibit the production of prostaglandins. “Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that lead to uterine contractions, which cause cramps,” explains Dr. Ami Patel, a Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS) and licensed clinical pharmacist specializing in women’s hormone health. “Ibuprofen works directly on this function to relieve cramps and the associated pain. Although both acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help relieve pain, ibuprofen works directly to ease cramps.”

That said, Tylenol will not prevent the production of prostaglandins, which are the culprits behind painful menstrual cramps. While Tylenol or generic acetaminophen can reduce cramps, when given the choice, ibuprofen is the clear winner.

RELATED: How long does it take ibuprofen to work?

How to choose the best period cramp medication for you

Despite ibuprofen being the better of the two OTC painkiller choices for period cramps, some individuals should not take it.

“People with kidney issues and peptic ulcers should avoid ibuprofen,” explains Dr. Madhu Bagaria, Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (FACOG) and Endometriosis Excision Specialist at Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine.

Ibuprofen can be hard on the gastrointestinal system, and those who frequently drink alcohol will be at a higher risk of side effects like stomach ulcers and stomach bleeding. However, if you can only find relief from cramping with ibuprofen, speak with your healthcare providers about prescription NSAIDs that can be gentler on the stomach, such as meloxicam or celecoxib. There are also medications your doctor can prescribe that can line the stomach and protect it better when taking ibuprofen.

For those who prefer acetaminophen, Dr. Bagaria also mentions that Tylenol is not recommended for those with liver disorders. 

Alternative OTC pain relievers that can help relieve period pain are Aleve (naproxen sodium), aspirin, or a combination medication, like Excedrin, which combines aspirin and acetaminophen (and sometimes caffeine). 

Home remedies for period cramps

There are several home remedies that you can also try for menstrual cramp relief. Here are some ideas to try next time you have period cramps: 

  • Aromatherapy: A soothing scent can give some people comfort from period cramping. A 2019 review found moderate-confidence evidence that aromatherapy can help alleviate pain from menstrual cramps.
  • Warm water or tea: Dr. Bagaria suggests warm, comforting drinks, like hot tea. “My mother gave me milk and green or black raisins,” recounts Dr. Bagaria. “She used to boil the raisins in milk and made me drink hot milk and eat the raisins. It worked for me.” These drinks will help keep you hydrated. It’s also possible that the aromatic properties of hot beverages work as aromatherapy. 
  • Light Exercises: Try yoga and stretching. There is limited evidence that exercise may help reduce menstrual pain based on recent studies, but since it is a low-risk activity with other added benefits, it doesn’t hurt to try.
  • Heat Therapy: Heating pads, hot water bottles, and other types of heat therapy, like a warm bath, have been found to be beneficial for treating period cramps. A 2018 meta-analysis of studies focusing on heat therapy for cramping found “evidence of the effectiveness of heat therapy for primary dysmenorrhea.” However, researchers did say that more thorough studies were needed.
  • Vitamin C and vitamin E: Some people have found that certain foods and diet changes can help reduce period cramps. In 2021, researchers found that those with endometriosis had improved symptoms of period cramps by taking vitamin C and vitamin E. 
  • Anti-inflammatory foods: Certain healthy foods may also be helpful. “Include foods that are rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, like flaxseeds and turmeric,” suggests Dr. Patel. 

Preventing period cramps

Everybody is different, but there are a few things that may help prevent period cramps.

  • A healthy diet: A nutritious diet, like the Mediterranean diet, can help reduce inflammation. A study in 2020 found that students who followed the Mediterranean diet more closely had shorter menstrual cycles and less menstrual cramping than students who did not adhere to the diet. 
  • Vitamins: Taking vitamins, such as vitamin C and vitamin E (as mentioned above), can be helpful. According to current research, high doses of vitamin D may also be helpful. 
  • Magnesium supplements: “A magnesium supplement can also help,” explains Dr. Patel. “Magnesium glycinate helps to relax the smooth muscle, which can help relieve the cramps and, therefore, the pain while having minimal side effects.” A literature review in 2017 found that magnesium can help prevent dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and menstrual migraines.
  • Avoiding processed foods: Some foods can make period cramps worse. Highly processed foods or foods that have a high content of sugar increase inflammation in the body, which can increase the likelihood of period cramps. 
  • Birth control pills: Birth control can help regulate your hormones and improve overall PMS symptoms like clotting and heavy blood flow for those with severe period symptoms. If you’re interested in trying hormonal birth control, speak with your healthcare provider about the possibility, and they can help determine which option is best for your symptoms.

The bottom line

Tylenol and ibuprofen are both pain relievers that can help with painful periods. However, ibuprofen is the superior choice. When OTC medications are not enough to treat your menstrual cramps, several alternative remedies are easy to try at home. 

Suppose you’re unable to find relief for your period cramps. In that case, it’s important to speak with a women’s health specialist or other healthcare professional to make sure there are no bigger, underlying issues.

“If cramps are unbearable and impacting your daily activity or ability to go to school or work, it could be a sign of a hormone imbalance and a menstrual disorder,” says Dr. Patel. She adds, “Speak to your doctor to get more support.”