I have suffered from extremely bad periods for around six years now. Some months have been a lot worse than others and one time I nearly fainted because of them. My flow is heavy with quite big clots, I'd say they are usually around the size of a grape. I can't even begin to describe the pain!

Now sadly I let myself suffer with these for around five years without getting any help for them whatsoever. It was normal for me to take 15 painkillers a day to try and take the pain away but even then it didn't really do a lot (except make me feel groggy). So that's when I decided it was time to get something done and stop my suffering. So forgetting my pride and my fear, I booked an appointment with the doctor and ended up with some of these 'mefenamic acid 500mg' tablets as well as a contraceptive pill.

*** What are Mefenamic Acid 500MG Tablets? ***

These tablets are only available through your doctor. So that means if you really want them you'll have to let go of any pride or fears that you might have like I did, and talk to the doctor to see if they are suitable for you.

Mefenamic acid is an anti-inflammatory drug that relieves the symptoms of inflammation, such as redness or swelling. They are also used to relieve pain and discomfort of conditions such as Headaches, toothache, arthritis, painful or heavy periods. And finally they can also be used after childbirth or operations.

They come in packs of 6, 12, 28, 84, 100 or 500 tablets and your doctor will decide which amount is suitable for you. I was given 30 something to start off with for my first 3 months.

As well as mefenamic acid, the rest of the tablets are made up of Lactose, pregelatinised starch, maize starch, polyvidone, silicon dioxide, talc, magnesium stearate, croscarmellose sodium type A, sodium lauryl sulphate, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, polyethylene glycol 4000, vanillin, beeswax, carnauba wax, polysorbate 20, sorbic acid, titanium dioxide (E171), quinoline yellow (E104) and sunset yellow (E110).

*** How does Mefenamic acid help with period pains? ***

Apparently mefenamic acid thins the blood making your periods lighter and therefore less painful. It's proven that the less bleeding you have, the less pain you have.

*** How to take them ***

You are advised to take these with or without food but obviously take them with a drink! If you start to get an upset tummy it's always better to take with food.

It is advised you take one tablet 3 times a day when on your period (if there is pain). I always try and take one in the morning when I wake up, then one at around 3 in the afternoon, and then finally my last one at night before bed. It doesn't always work out like that though so it just depends how much pain you are in and what dose your doctor prescribed you.

*** My experience with mefenamic acid ***

I've tried these tablets twice now. The first time I took them by themselves and although they were the best painkillers I'd had, they didn't completely take the pain away. It seems my periods are extremely stubborn just like myself! So after a return visit to the doctor I ended up with these and a form of the contraceptive pill.

Now, with the pill, I find that I'm in less pain than I ever have been using these tablets. It hasn't completely gone but it's bearable. I can focus on other things and I'm not constantly holding my tummy! I sometimes feel groggy though, but not too much! So I haven't experienced any other side effect yet and I've been taking them for almost 3 months now.

I don't think I'll be changing from these anytime soon as I really like what they've done for me and it's such a nice change to not have abnormal amounts of pain every month.

*** Possible Side Effects ***

As with all medicines, there are some possible side effects. As I mentioned the only side effect I have had with these is feeling groggy. However just to be on the safe side, here are some side effects to look out for:

• Diarrhoea
• Skin Rash
• Allergy/wheezing
• Stomach upsets
• Nausea
• Yellowing of the skin
• Black stools (poo)
• Frequent sore throats
• Red urine
• Recurring headaches
• In rare circumstances severe skin rash, disturbance of vision and alterations in blood sugar.

There are a few more but generally if you start to feel ill after taking these tablets my advice would be to inform your doctor straight away.

*** Where can I get them from? ***

As I said you can only get these from the doctor on prescription. You may have to pay for them if you are not receiving benefits and you are working etc. It all depends on numerous things, you yourself know if you have to pay or not. I got mine for free because I'm unemployed currently.

*** Overall opinion ***

I don't know what I'd do without these, I really don't. They really work well for me but as with the contraceptive pill they might not be for everyone. As I mentioned earlier they aren't just for period pains so guys can probably take them too.

I hope this review has helped you :)

Aimee xxx