Page 148 - Community pharmcy practice E-book 2025

02/11/2025, 00:29

Patient Counselling Tips
• Ask: “When does your pain usually start? How many days does it last? How severe is it?
What helps? Are you missing work/school?”
• Explain: Take NSAID early (at first sign of cramps) rather than waiting until pain is intense;
take with food/after food if NSAID to reduce GI upset.
• Advise: Use heating pad, gentle exercise/stretching early; limit caffeine/salt/processed
foods; maintain hydration.
• Review: If flow is heavy or irregular, or if pain is getting worse each month, ask to see
physician (possible secondary cause).
• Remind: If using OTC NSAIDs/analgesics, don’t exceed recommended dose or duration; if
on other meds (e.g., anticoagulants), check interactions.
• Encourage using period-tracker app to help identify patterns, triggers, and when to seek
further help.
• Provide reassurance: Many women experience cramps; but if interfering with daily life
regularly, this is not just “normal” and further evaluation may help.
• Promote lifestyle habits: regular physical activity, good sleep, diet rich in anti-inflammatory
foods, stress management (yoga, mindfulness) can reduce intensity/frequency of pain.
• Advise caution: if starting a new contraceptive for menstrual pain relief, discuss side-
effects, benefits and when to follow-up.

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