Christiana Sudden severe menstrual cramps can be relieved by bed rest, hot compresses on the abdomen, use of painkillers as directed by the doctor, Chinese medicine conditioning, and diet adjustments. Dysmenorrhea is usually caused by increased prostaglandin secretion, abnormal uterine contractions, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, adenomyosis and other reasons.
1. Bed rest
When dysmenorrhea occurs, you should stop activities immediately and lie on your side or with your knees bent to reduce abdominal pressure. Pillows can be used to elevate the waist and help relax the pelvic floor muscles. Avoid sitting or bending for long periods of time to reduce mechanical stimulation of the uterus and surrounding tissues. Keeping the environment quiet and warm can help relieve tension.
2. Apply heat to the abdomen
Apply a 40-45℃ hot water bottle to the lower abdomen for 15-20 minutes each time. Hot compress can expand local blood vessels, accelerate pelvic blood circulation, and inhibit prostaglandin synthesis. Be careful to prevent low-temperature burns by wrapping a towel around a hot water bottle. Hot compresses should be avoided when combined with abnormal vaginal bleeding or fever.
3. Painkillers
In case of severe pain, you can use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, diclofenac sodium suppositories or naproxen tablets as directed by your doctor. These drugs reduce prostaglandin production by inhibiting cyclooxygenase, but they need to be taken after meals to reduce gastrointestinal irritation. Patients with endometriosis may need hormonal drugs such as leuprolide acetate microspheres.
4. Traditional Chinese Medicine conditioning
For cold coagulation and blood stasis type, Shaofu Zhuyu Granules can be taken, while for qi stagnation and blood stasis type, Yuanhu Zhitong Tablets can be used. Moxibustion on Guanyuan, Sanyinjiao and other acupoints can warm the menstrual flow and dispel cold, 2-3 times a week for three consecutive menstrual cycles. Start drinking brown sugar ginger tea one week before menstruation, add 5-6 slices of fresh ginger and boil for 10 minutes, 1-2 cups a day.
5. Diet adjustment
In the early stages of menstruation, reduce caffeine-containing foods such as coffee and chocolate, and limit high-salt foods to prevent water and sodium retention. Increase foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as deep-sea fish and flax seeds to inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators. Add 200ml warm brown sugar water every day, add 3-5 pitted red dates and cook together.
It is recommended to record the duration, pain level and accompanying symptoms of each dysmenorrhea, and screen for the presence of progressively aggravating organic diseases. Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy physical labor during menstruation, and wear loose clothing to reduce abdominal compression. People who have long-term dysmenorrhea or pain that seriously affects their lives need to undergo a gynecological ultrasound examination to determine whether there are uterine fibroids, endometriosis and other lesions. You can usually improve pelvic blood circulation through moderate exercise such as yoga and jogging. Start soaking your feet in warm water for 20 minutes every day one week before menstruation.
