Skip to content

Non-randomised trial, 1977

Does naproxen-sodium reduce menstrual pain and uterine contractions?

Yes, very significantly. A single dose of 1100 mg naproxen-sodium reduced both uterine contractions and menstrual pain in all 10 women studied, with no reported side effects.

Early or limited evidence 10 women with dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain)

What they did

10 women with dysmenorrhea (painful periods) received a single oral dose of 1100 mg naproxen-sodium. Naproxen is a prostaglandin-synthesis inhibitor, meaning it blocks production of prostaglandins, chemicals that trigger uterine contractions and pain. Researchers measured uterine pressure and pain.

What they found

Naproxen-sodium very significantly reduced both resting and active uterine pressures and the frequency of cyclic uterine activity (P less than 0.001). It also very significantly reduced menstrual pain (P less than 0.001). No side effects or complications were observed after a single dose.

What it means for you

Naproxen-sodium appears effective for menstrual pain relief and works by reducing uterine contractions. The effect occurs after a single dose. However, this is a very small study with no control group for comparison, so larger trials are needed to confirm the results and understand long-term safety.

10

women with dysmenorrhea

1100 mg

dose of naproxen-sodium

0.001

p-value for pain reduction

About the study

Original title
The effect of naproxen-sodium on the intrauterine pressure and menstrual pain of dysmenorrheic patients
Authors
Csapo AI, Pulkkinen MO, Henzl MR
Journal
Prostaglandins
Year
1977
Study design
Non-randomised trial
Participants
10
What was tested
Single oral dose of 1100 mg naproxen-sodium

Topics