Painful periods affect nearly one in two women.
Yet their impact on everyday life is still too often underestimated.
Severe abdominal pain, lower back cramps, nausea, marked fatigue… For some women, every cycle becomes an ordeal. The consequences are very real:
- School or work absences
- Reduced concentration and productivity
- Sleep disturbances
- Psychological impact and irritability
Although menstrual pain is common, that doesn’t mean it is “normal” in its intensity. Understanding how this pain works makes it possible to adapt the treatment approach.
A pain with multiple mechanisms
Menstrual pain has a very specific biological origin.
During menstruation, the endometrium sheds.
This process is accompanied by the release of prostaglandins.
These substances:
- Trigger uterine contractions
- Promote local inflammation
- Temporarily reduce tissue oxygenation
Menstrual pain is not a “simple” pain. It combines:
- An inflammatory component
- A spasmodic component
- A central component (perception and amplification by the nervous system)
It is therefore multifactorial pain, which may require an approach adapted to its dual mechanism.
Why an NSAID alone is not always enough
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) mainly work by blocking prostaglandin production, thereby reducing inflammation and uterine contractions.
However, menstrual pain is not based solely on inflammation.
When pain persists, the central nervous system may amplify pain perception: this is called central sensitization.
In this context, acting only on inflammation may not cover the entire pain mechanism.
When pain has a dual component — peripheral and central — an approach targeting both dimensions may be more appropriate, under evaluation by a healthcare professional.
The value of a complementary combination
Combining two mechanisms of action makes it possible to act more broadly on menstrual pain.
Diclofenac
- Inhibits prostaglandin production
- Reduces local inflammation
- Decreases excessive contractions
Paracetamol
- Acts mainly at the central level
- Reduces pain perception
- Enhances overall analgesic effect
A synergistic effect
The diclofenac + paracetamol combination provides:
✔ Peripheral action on inflammation
✔ Central action on pain perception
✔ More complete coverage of the mechanisms involved
This complementarity is the basis of a dual-target approach to menstrual pain.
CLOFAINS
The dual-target solution for menstrual pain
CLOFAINS combines:
- Diclofenac
- Paracetamol
This combination provides complementary action on the different mechanisms of pain.
As part of an appropriate and supervised approach, the pharmacist can guide patients toward the most suitable solution depending on:
- Symptom intensity
- Medical history
- Possible contraindications
Act early
In dysmenorrhea, the more prostaglandin production increases, the more contractions intensify — and the more pain can become established.
Early management, adapted and supervised by a healthcare professional, may help limit the impact of symptoms on daily life.
The pharmacist’s central role
Dysmenorrhea should not be trivialized.
The pharmacist can:
✔ Assess the frequency and severity of pain
✔ Check for contraindications
✔ Identify situations requiring medical advice (very severe pain, unusual symptoms, etc.)
✔ Recommend an appropriate management plan
In case of painful periods, it is recommended to seek advice from your pharmacist or doctor in order to determine the most appropriate solution for your situation.
In conclusion
Menstrual pain involves multiple mechanisms.
Managing it may require an approach adapted to this complexity.
CLOFAINS – The dual-target solution for menstrual pain
To be considered under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Regularory statement
CLOFAINS is a prescription-only medicine. Read the leaflet carefully. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice.
