Is It Okay To Take Three Advil at One Time for Super Bad Period Cramp Pain?

Your uterus is a big, pear-shaped muscle that contracts during your period and can cause some level of pain. Many people will take over-the-counter pain relievers such as Advil to help relieve the pain from their cramps. But, is it okay to pop three Advils for super bad cramps?

According to gastroenterologist Roshini Rajapaksa, MD, if you don't have a previous history of stomach ulcers, it's okay to take three ibuprofen—such as Advil—once in a while. Three Advil equates to 600 milligrams of ibuprofen and is actually a prescription-strength dosage, so it won't hurt you in the short term.

But if you're taking Advil—or one of its sister meds like Motrin—daily for more than three or four days, even two at a time you need to be careful. At this dosage, it can cause stomach inflammation or ulcers. Ulcers are crater-like sores that can cause burning sensations in the duodenum and stomach. If left untreated, they can become inflamed and bleed, leading to other issues. To help prevent stomach damage, you should always take these pills with food.

And, if you find yourself regularly reaching for three ibuprofen pills to ease your period cramps, talk to your gynecologist. Continued and intense menstrual pain could indicate other problems. Your doctor can advise you on the best medications to help you in your situation and may suggest hormonal birth control pills to control your symptoms.