Dysmenorrhea refers to cyclical lower abdominal pain or pain radiating to the sacral region occurring during menstruation or around the menstrual period. Severe cases may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, cold sweats, cold extremities, or even fainting from intense pain. It is also known as menstrual abdominal pain.
Symptoms of Dysmenorrhea
50% of patients experience back pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and fatigue. Severe cases may require emergency care due to fainting.Most gynecological examinations for dysmenorrhea reveal no abnormalities, though findings may include uterine hypoplasia, excessive anteversion or retroversion of the uterus, or membranous dysmenorrhea with tubular shedding of the endometrium.
1. Primary dysmenorrhea is common during adolescence, typically onset within 1-2 years after menarche;
2. Pain typically begins with the onset of menstruation, appearing as early as 12 hours before the period starts. It peaks on the first day of menstruation, persists for 2-3 days, and then subsides. The pain is often cramping in nature, usually localized in the lower abdomen above the pubic bone, and may radiate to the lumbar-sacral region and inner thighs;
3.May be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, etc. In severe cases, pallor and cold sweats may occur;
4. Gynecological examination reveals no abnormalities.
Diagnosis of Dysmenorrhea
1. Primary Dysmenorrhea
Clinically diagnosed when: menstrual cycles become regular after menarche; menstrual cramps occur with a dragging sensation in the lower abdomen; basal body temperature measurements confirm pain occurs during the ovulatory phase; and gynecological examination rules out organic disease.
2.Secondary Dysmenorrhea
When diagnosing primary dysmenorrhea, it must be differentiated from secondary dysmenorrhea caused by endometriosis, adenomyosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease. Secondary dysmenorrhea typically manifests several years after menarche, often with a history of gynecological organic disease or intrauterine device placement. Gynecological examination reveals abnormalities, and laparoscopy may be performed for differential diagnosis when necessary.Triple examination, hysterosalpingography, laparoscopy, and hysteroscopy aid in differential diagnosis.
What methods can alleviate dysmenorrhea?
1. Balanced Diet: Consume healthy, nutritious foods like vegetables, fruits, chicken, and fish, which greatly benefit women's health. Adopting smaller, more frequent meals in daily eating habits can help reduce menstrual pain intensity.
2. Avoid alcohol: If experiencing edema during menstruation, completely abstain from alcoholic beverages. Alcohol exacerbates edema and may directly or indirectly affect estrogen levels, disrupting the normal menstrual cycle.
3. Stay Warm: Adequate warmth is essential during menstruation. Keeping your body warm accelerates blood circulation and relaxes muscles, particularly in the cramped and congested pelvic area. Wear extra layers for warmth during your period. Additionally, drinking hot herbal tea or warm lemon water can provide comfort.
What to Eat for Menstrual Cramps: Individuals experiencing menstrual cramps should ensure adequate calcium intake in their daily diet. This helps prevent intense uterine contractions or spasms caused by low blood calcium levels, which can trigger menstrual pain.Furthermore, since estrogen secretion significantly impacts calcium absorption and utilization, ensure adequate intake of estrogen precursors such as protein, alpha-linolenic acid, B vitamins, and vitamin E. Also consume foods rich in vitamins C, D, and pantothenic acid, along with fiber-rich foods to prevent constipation-related menstrual pain.
Individuals with dysmenorrhea should maintain a diverse diet without偏食 (picky eating). Regularly consume vegetables and fruits that promote qi circulation and blood flow, such as shepherd's purse, angelica root, coriander, carrots, oranges, citron, and ginger.Those with weak constitutions or insufficient qi and blood should regularly consume foods that tonify qi, nourish blood, and strengthen the liver and kidneys, such as chicken, duck, fish, eggs, milk, animal liver and kidneys, fish, and beans.
For 3-5 days before menstruation, patients should focus on light, easily digestible foods that are readily absorbed. Moderate consumption of sour foods is beneficial, as sour flavors can help alleviate pain.