To ease your menstrual cramps, your health care provider might recommend: 1. Pain medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil,) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), at regular doses starting the day before you expect your period to begin can help control the pain of cramps. Prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs also are available. 2. Hormonal birth control: Oral birth con  Read More