This group of pain relievers acts by blocking prostaglandin production. Prostaglandins are a group of proteins that cause pain. When you burn your finger on the stove it is prostaglandins which causes the pain. Prostaglandins are released by the endometrium during the menstrual cycle. Some women on average release more prostaglandin during menstruation than other women.
Ischemia is a condition where there is a lack of oxygen in an organ that results in pain.
The pain associated with a heart attack is the most common example of ischemia. This group of pain relievers is not a narcotic and thus does not have the risk of physical or emotional addiction. Starting Anaprox DS two days prior to the start of menstrual cramps usually helps reduce both the amount of bleeding and the amount of cramps. Patients taking the birth control pills using the cyclic method usually know within a day when their cramps will begin. Starting the Anaprox two days prior to the cramps allows adequate levels to build up in the blood stream.