It’s the year 2023. We have cars that can drive themselves, artificial intelligence that can compose symphonies and biotechnology that can edit the human genome, offering the promise of eradicating genetic disorders. Space tourism is no longer a pipe dream but a booming industry, and augmented reality glasses are rapidly blending the digital world with the physical. 

Yet, amidst this technological renaissance, a glaring paradox persists. Over 90% of women continue to grapple with menstrual cramps using an unevolved, 1980s-era solution: over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers. This makes even less sense when you look at how severely dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain) impacts many women’s lives - it’s the primary cause of school and work absences among young women, with 14% to 52% reporting they had to skip their usual routine because of crippling pain.

Anyone reading this has probably used OTC painkillers at least once in their life. Painkillers, after all, are the world’s most purchased OTC medication, with the global analgesics market set to reach US$42.65 billion in 2027. 

Given their perceived safety, ease of access, immediate relief, and social acceptance, the popularity of OTC painkillers makes sense. However, being the most popular must not be mistaken for being the best. Within the realm of women’s health, the over-reliance on these medications highlights the glaring void of investment and innovation in developing precise, targeted, and holistic treatments to address the underlying causes of menstrual symptoms.