Monthly menstruation already brings considerable inconvenience to women, and the addition of dysmenorrhea makes many women dread their periods. Dysmenorrhea is categorized into primary and secondary types. It not only causes abdominal pain but may also lead to nausea or even fainting. So, how to treat dysmenorrhea? Medicinal cuisine is an excellent approach. Clinical Manifestations of Dysmenorrhea 1.Primary dysmenorrhea is most common during adolescence, typically occurring within 1-2 years after menarche.
2. Pain often begins with the onset of menstruation, appearing as early as 12 hours before the period starts. It peaks on the first day of menstruation and usually subsides after 2-3 days. The pain is typically cramping, located in the lower abdomen above the pubic bone, and may radiate to the lumbar-sacral region and inner thighs.
3. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and fatigue. Severe cases may present with pallor and cold sweats.
4. Gynecological examination reveals no abnormalities.
Treatment Approaches for Dysmenorrhea
1. General Management
(1) Prioritize psychological counseling to alleviate anxiety and concerns.
(2) Ensure adequate rest and sleep, engage in regular moderate exercise, and quit smoking.
(3) Supplement with medication when pain becomes intolerable.
2. Pharmacological Treatment
(1) Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors: Commonly used drugs include ibuprofen, ketoprofen, meclofenamic acid, and diclofenac.
(2) Oral contraceptives are suitable for women with dysmenorrhea requiring contraception, with an efficacy rate exceeding 90%.
Classic Medicinal Recipes for Dysmenorrhea
(1) Black Fungus and Red Date Decoction
30g black fungus, 20 red dates.
Wash the black fungus and red dates.Remove pits from red dates. Boil both ingredients in water, strain, and consume the liquid.
This formula tonifies the middle energizer, nourishes blood, stops bleeding, and beautifies the complexion. Suitable for those with heavy menstrual flow, anemia, or general weakness.
2) Ginger-Date-Brown Sugar Decoction
30g dried ginger, 30g red dates, 30g brown sugar.
Wash the first two ingredients. Finely chop the dried ginger. Remove pits from red dates. Simmer with brown sugar. Drink the broth and eat the dates.
This decoction warms the meridians and dispels cold. Suitable for cold-type dysmenorrhea and melasma.
(3) Hawthorn, Cinnamon Twig, and Brown Sugar Decoction
15g hawthorn fruit, 5g cinnamon twig, 30g brown sugar.
Place hawthorn fruit and cinnamon twig in an earthenware pot. Add 2 bowls of water and simmer over low heat until reduced to 1 bowl. Stir in brown sugar, mix well, and bring to a boil.
This decoction warms the meridians, unblocks blood vessels, dissipates stasis, and alleviates pain. Suitable for women with cold-type dysmenorrhea and dull complexion.
(4) Leek Juice with Brown Sugar Drink
300g fresh leeks, 100g brown sugar.
Wash fresh leeks, drain thoroughly, chop finely, then mash to extract juice. Place brown sugar in an aluminum pot with a small amount of water. Bring to a boil until sugar dissolves, then mix in leek juice. Drink immediately.
This concoction warms the meridians and replenishes qi. It is suitable for dysmenorrhea caused by deficiency of both qi and blood, and can also promote a rosy, smooth complexion.
(5) Ginger Juice and Coix Seed Porridge
10g dried ginger, 10g mugwort leaves, 30g coix seeds.
Decoct the first two ingredients to extract their juices. Cook the coix seeds into porridge until 80% done, then add the ginger and mugwort juices and simmer until fully cooked.
This porridge warms the meridians, transforms stasis, dispels cold, removes dampness, and moisturizes the skin. It is suitable for dysmenorrhea caused by cold-damp stagnation.