Why do period pills fail some women? new study investigates

NCT ID NCT05900336

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Mclean Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looked at 70 women with severe menstrual pain to understand why some don't get relief from NSAIDs like naproxen. Researchers measured pain changes after taking the drug or a placebo and tested how the brain processes pain. The goal is to find out if central sensitization—changes in how the nervous system handles pain—explains why some women don't respond to standard treatment.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Sodium naproxen
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help identify women at risk for chronic pain and guide early treatments to prevent it.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed Phase 4 study focused on understanding pain mechanisms, not testing a new treatment. Results may not apply to all women.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

dysmenorrhea

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

DYSMENORRHEA MENSTRUAL PAIN NON-STEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUG

Contacts and locations

Locations

McLean Hospital

Belmont, Massachusetts, 02478, United States

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