I just saw an ad demonizing painkillers for cramps and pushing herbal tea, heating belts, heat bags, and lifestyle changes instead. And while those things do help, I’m not about to exclude scientifically backed pills that women rely on to survive their cycles.

I may currently be enjoying my pain-free, Jesus-touched era, but I’ve had periods (circa 2024) that humbled me to my knees. During that time I was popping pills like Whitney and even then, they barely worked. I’m talking 800mg ibuprofen, 20mg Felvin three times a day, plus a massage gun on my back and tummy just to make the pain slightly bearable and it never went away.

Why am I saying this? Because you can’t judge a pain you’ve never lived through. People love to villainize medication, but conveniently forget that what makes most things harmful is frequency. Taking ibuprofen for 3–5 days a month will not end you. The chances of it causing long-term damage at that frequency are extremely low.

And honestly? Every time I see people aggressively marketing heating belts as the solution for severe cramps, I laugh. As much as I want to sell, I’ve never lied. I always say if your cramps are severe, take the pills that work for you. I’ve been there. I know the belt won’t do anything for that level of pain. It’s great for mild to moderate cramps but because saying that won’t sell as much, people start performing.

Not me though. I’ll always tell you the truth.