This guide walks you through common period painkillers you’ll find in Kenyan pharmacies, how they’re usually used, what’s generally considered safe, and most importantly, when pain is not normal and needs a doctor’s review.

Important: This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow the instructions on the packet and talk to a healthcare professional, especially if you have other health conditions, take regular medication, are pregnant, or are trying to conceive.

When Is Period Pain “Normal” & When Is It Not?

Mild–moderate cramps just before or during your period are very common. They’re usually caused by prostaglandins — chemicals your uterus releases to help shed the lining. The more your uterus contracts, the more you feel that crampy, dragging pain.

Often considered “normal-ish” (but still valid) pain

• Cramping in the lower belly, back, or thighs that starts 1–2 days before bleeding or on day 1.
• Pain that improves with rest, heat, or over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers.
• Discomfort that is annoying but still lets you function (go to class, work, run errands) with support.

Red flags: Pain that is not normal

If you notice any of these, it’s time to see a doctor, not just swallow stronger painkillers:

• Period pain that’s so intense you regularly miss school/work or can’t stand upright.
• Pain that is getting worse over time, not staying the same.
• Pain with very heavy bleeding (soaking a pad/tampon every 1–2 hours for several hours).
• Pain with bleeding between periods, after sex, or after months of no periods.
• Severe pain plus fever, foul-smelling discharge, or pain during sex.

Conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic infections, or hormonal imbalances can cause severe cramps. Painkillers may mask the symptoms for a bit, but they won’t fix the root cause — that’s why medical review matters.

Before Pills: Gentle Relief You Can Try First

Even if you use painkillers, these simple habits can make a big difference:

• Heat: Hot water bottle, heat patch, or warm shower on your lower belly or back.
• Movement: Light walking, stretching, or yoga can improve blood flow and reduce cramps.
• Hydration: Sip warm water, herbal teas (ginger, chamomile), or plain water.
• Comfort foods (in moderation): Warm, simple meals instead of heavy, oily fast food.
• Rest: Give yourself permission to slow down. Your body is doing a lot of work.

If you’ve tried these and are still uncomfortable, that’s when many people turn to medication for extra support.

Common Period Painkillers in Kenyan Pharmacies

Below are examples of medicines Kenyan women commonly use for period pain. Names may vary by pharmacy or town, and brands listed here are examples, not endorsements. Always confirm with a pharmacist or doctor what’s suitable for you.

1. Paracetamol – Gentle First-Line Option

Examples: Panadol, Hedex, Mara Moja (combination), various generic “Paracetamol” tablets.

• Often used for mild to moderate cramps, headaches, and general body pain.
• Gentler on the stomach than many stronger painkillers.
• Good starting point if your pain is uncomfortable but not severe.

Safety notes: Never take more than the maximum dose stated on the packet. Avoid taking multiple products that all contain paracetamol (for example, Panadol + Mara Moja) because you can accidentally overdose.

2. Ibuprofen – Anti-Inflammatory Pain Relief

Examples: Brufen, Advil, Nurofen, generics labeled “Ibuprofen”.

• Belongs to the NSAID family (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
• Helps reduce prostaglandins, making it especially useful for period cramps.
• Often works better for menstrual pain than paracetamol alone for many people.

Safety notes: Take with food or milk to protect your stomach. Avoid if you have stomach ulcers, kidney problems, certain heart conditions, or NSAID allergies, unless a doctor says it’s okay. Don’t combine multiple NSAIDs at the same time (e.g., ibuprofen + diclofenac).

3. Mefenamic Acid – Common “Period Pain” Medicine

Examples: Ponstan, Ponstan Forte, other “Mefenamic acid” brands.

• Another NSAID often specifically used for strong menstrual cramps.
• Can be more effective for some women whose pain doesn’t respond to milder options.
• Sometimes recommended by doctors for short-term use during the first few days of the period.

Safety notes: This is a stronger medicine. It can irritate the stomach and is usually not ideal if you have ulcers, kidney disease, or certain other conditions. Use only as directed and ideally after talking to a healthcare professional, especially for repeated cycles.

4. Hyoscine Butylbromide – Cramp & Spasm Relief

Examples: Buscopan and generics.

• Works more on spasms in the smooth muscles (like your gut or uterus) than on general pain.
• Some women find it helpful for crampy, twisting period pain, sometimes combined with another painkiller.

Safety notes: Can cause side effects like dry mouth or blurred vision in some people. Ask a pharmacist if it’s appropriate for you, especially if you have glaucoma or certain bowel conditions.

5. Other Combination Painkillers (Use With Care)

Examples (vary by region): Mara Moja (paracetamol + aspirin + caffeine), ibuprofen + paracetamol combos, etc.

• These mix ingredients to boost pain relief or improve alertness.
• Caffeine-containing options can help with headaches or fatigue, but may worsen anxiety or poor sleep.
• Aspirin can sometimes increase bleeding, so it may not be ideal for everyone with heavy periods.

Safety notes: Always read the label so you know exactly what’s inside. Don’t double up on the same ingredient from different products.

Who Should Be Extra Careful With Painkillers?

Some situations need more than “my friend uses it, so I will too.” Please talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using NSAIDs or stronger medicines if you:

• Have stomach ulcers, gastritis, or frequent heartburn.
• Have kidney or liver disease.
• Have asthma that worsens with painkillers like aspirin/ibuprofen.
• Are on blood thinners or blood pressure medication.
• Are pregnant, might be pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Have had allergic reactions to painkillers before (rash, swelling, breathing problems).

For teenagers, it’s always best to involve a trusted adult and a healthcare professional when using medicines regularly for period pain.

When Painkillers Aren’t Enough: Time to See a Doctor

If you find yourself swallowing tablets every single month and still suffering, your body isn’t “weak” — it’s sending a message.

You should definitely see a healthcare professional if:

• You need strong painkillers every cycle just to function.
• You take painkillers for more than a few days each month without much relief.
• You have severe pain plus heavy bleeding, clots, or cycles getting shorter/longer suddenly.
• Painkillers that used to work have stopped helping.
• You’re worried about fertility, endometriosis, fibroids, or anything “not feeling right.”

A doctor can check for underlying causes and may suggest options like hormonal treatments, different types of pain medicines, or further tests. Getting help early can protect both your quality of life and your long-term reproductive health.

Listening to Your Body Is Not Being “Soft”

In Kenya, it’s very common to hear “Hizo ni cramps tu, zitaisha” — “It’s just cramps, they’ll pass.” But surviving every month isn’t the same as living well.

Choosing to rest, use a hot water bottle, track your symptoms, or take medication correctly is not weakness. It’s care. And seeking medical help when pain is severe or different from your usual pattern is not being dramatic — it’s being wise.

If you use the Daisycle app, you can log which painkillers you use, how strong your pain is, and what helps. Over a few cycles, you’ll start to see patterns you can share with your doctor or pharmacist.

Key Takeaways

• Period pain is common, but severe pain is not “just part of being a woman”.
• Kenyan pharmacies offer many options, from paracetamol to stronger NSAIDs like ibuprofen and mefenamic acid (Ponstan/Ponstan Forte).
• Always read labels to avoid taking double doses of the same ingredient, especially paracetamol and NSAIDs.
• If painkillers don’t help, or pain is getting worse, it’s time for a professional review — not just a stronger tablet.
• Listening to your body, resting, and asking for help is a form of strength, not weakness.