If I’m taking ibuprofen vs naproxen for cramps, what’s the real difference—and what’s a safe dose/schedule without wrecking my stomach?

Both ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) are NSAIDs that hit the same target: they lower prostaglandins, which means fewer brutal uterine contractions and less inflammation. Ibuprofen kicks in a bit faster and doesn’t last as long; naproxen takes a bit longer to peak but hangs around longer.Typical safe OTC dosing for adults:- Ibuprofen: 400 mg every 4–6 hours as needed, max 1200 mg/day without doctor supervision.- Naproxen sodium: 220 mg every 8–12 hours, max 660 mg/day.Start them 30–60 minutes before pain gets severe (or 1 day before your period if your cycle is predictable). Always take with food and a full glass of water. Do not double up on NSAIDs (no ibuprofen + naproxen together). If you have ulcers, kidney issues, or take blood thinners, you need a doctor’s input before using either long-term.Want someone to help you plan an actual “cramp strategy” instead of panic-popping pills? Talk with Gush about your cycle, schedule, and pain patterns.

Ibuprofen vs naproxen for period cramps: which works better and how to use them safely

What ibuprofen and naproxen actually do

Both ibuprofen and naproxen are NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). They work by blocking COX enzymes that help make prostaglandins.Fewer prostaglandins =- Less uterine squeezing- Less blood vessel constriction- Less inflammation- Less pain (and often less nausea/diarrhea)In terms of your cycle:- Menstrual phase: prostaglandins are highest → cramps, diarrhea, back pain.- Luteal phase: low-grade inflammation can add to PMS, breast tenderness, headaches.NSAIDs are most useful from the late luteal phase (right before your bleed) through the first 1–2 days of bleeding.Key differences:- Ibuprofen- Onset: ~30 minutes- Peak effect: 1–2 hours- Duration: ~4–6 hours- Naproxen- Onset: ~1 hour- Peak effect: 2–4 hours- Duration: ~8–12 hoursSo ibuprofen = good for flexible, shorter coverage. Naproxen = better if you want longer relief from a single dose.

Safe dosing schedules that actually match period pain

Ibuprofen for menstrual cramps- Usual adult OTC dose: 400 mg every 4–6 hours as needed.- Max OTC dose: 1200 mg per 24 hours (that’s 3 doses of 400 mg).How to use it smartly for cramps:- Predictable cycle? Start 400 mg with food 1 day before you expect your period, then every 6 hours on day 1 if cramps are usually bad.- Unpredictable cramps? Take 400 mg at the first sign of pain (or spotting) instead of waiting until you’re curled up on the bathroom floor.- Keep it scheduled (every 6 hours) for the worst 1–2 days, then taper to as-needed.Naproxen for menstrual cramps- Usual adult OTC dose: 220 mg every 8–12 hours.- Max OTC dose: 660 mg per 24 hours (for short-term use).Smart use:- Take 220 mg with food at the first sign of cramps, then another 220 mg 8–12 hours later if needed.- This is great if you need all-day coverage at work or during class and can’t keep dosing every few hours.Don’t:- Take ibuprofen and naproxen together.- Exceed max daily doses without a doctor.- Use NSAIDs daily for weeks.If your brain is screaming, “I can’t keep track of all this, my period just eats me alive,” you’re not dramatic. You’re in pain. Walk through your actual cycle and daily life with Gush and get a realistic, safe game plan.

Protecting your stomach, kidneys, and overall sanity

NSAIDs are effective, but they’re not gummy vitamins. They can irritate your stomach lining and stress your kidneys if you overdo it.Protect your body by:- Always taking with food: A real snack or meal, not just two crackers.- Drinking a full glass of water with each dose.- Avoiding alcohol while you’re taking high or frequent doses.- Not taking them on an empty stomach first thing in the morning.Higher risk if you:- Have a history of ulcers, gastritis, or GI bleeding.- Have kidney disease or a single kidney.- Take blood thinners, steroids, or certain blood pressure meds.If you’re in those groups, or you’re needing NSAIDs every single month at max dose, talk to a provider about:- Using a stomach-protective med (like a PPI) with NSAIDs.- Switching to a different strategy (like hormonal contraception to reduce bleeding).

Where they fit with your cycle and birth control

Regular cycles- Use NSAIDs strategically during the 24–48 hours when prostaglandins are highest:- Start at first spotting or the first familiar pre-cramp twinge.- Continue on a schedule during the worst days (usually days 1–2 of bleeding).Irregular cycles- You won’t be able to pre-dose as perfectly, but you can still:- Take ibuprofen or naproxen at the first sign of real cramps, not two hours after.- Keep a small stash in your bag, locker, or car.If you’re on hormonal birth control- Combo pills, patch, or ring usually reduce prostaglandins and bleeding, so cramps may be milder.- Progestin-only methods (implant, hormonal IUD, mini-pill) can make cramps better, worse, or just weirder depending on your body.- You can still use ibuprofen or naproxen unless you’ve been told otherwise, but if you’re needing them at high dose every cycle while on birth control, that’s a red flag that needs attention.

Signs your NSAID situation is not it

Pay attention if:- You’re maxing out OTC doses every cycle and still in 8–10/10 pain.- Your pain is getting worse over time instead of staying the same.- Cramps are bad even when you’re not bleeding.- You feel burning, black stools, vomiting blood, or sharp stomach pain (ER, not Google).- You feel super puffy or notice decreased urination + NSAID use.Possible underlying issues:- Endometriosis or adenomyosis- Fibroids- Pelvic inflammatory disease- Other GI problems that NSAIDs are making louderYour pain deserves more than “just pop Advil.” Use ibuprofen or naproxen strategically, protect your stomach, and if they’re not touching your cramps, that’s not you being weak—that’s your body asking for a deeper workup.