Patient's question:
Doctor, hello. I always have severe pain during my menstrual period, and I also experience vomiting. Before my period starts, my breasts are swollen and painful. My period is often delayed, and I'm very worried. I'm 24 years old and recently married, but I don't want a baby. What should I do? I've also taken traditional Chinese medicine, but it hasn't had much effect.Doctor's answer:
Hello, Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that menstrual pain is often caused by poor blood and Qi circulation or Qi and blood deficiency. Clinically, common symptoms include Qi stagnation and blood stasis, cold congealing in the uterus, Qi and blood deficiency, and damp-heat accumulation in the lower abdomen. Dietary therapy can play a significant role in prevention and treatment.For menstrual pain patients, it is advisable to consume light and easily digestible foods 3–5 days before the onset of menstruation. Easily digestible foods should be chosen, and overeating should be avoided, especially cold foods, as they can stimulate uterine and fallopian tube contractions, thereby inducing or worsening menstrual pain. Once menstruation begins, it is even more important to avoid all cold, indigestible, and foods, such as chili peppers, raw scallions, raw garlic, pepper, and strong alcohol. During this period, patients can moderately consume sour foods like pickles or vinegar, as sour foods can help alleviate pain. Additionally, menstrual pain sufferers should maintain regular bowel movements before and after menstruation. It is recommended to eat more honey, bananas, celery, sweet potatoes, etc., as constipation can trigger menstrual pain and increase discomfort.
Some people believe that moderate consumption of red wine can help regulate mood, relieve liver qi stagnation, and promote smooth Qi flow. Red wine has a pungent and sweet, warm nature. The pungent property disperses and promotes circulation, making it effective for menstrual pain caused by cold and damp stagnation by dispelling cold, removing dampness, invigorating blood, and promoting menstruation. The sweet and warm property nourishes and soothes, providing warmth, blood nourishment, and pain relief for menstrual pain caused by Qi and blood deficiency.
Menstrual pain patients should maintain a varied diet and avoid excessive consumption of any single food. It is beneficial to regularly eat vegetables and fruits that regulate Qi and promote blood circulation, such as chrysanthemum greens, orchid root, coriander, carrots, oranges,, and ginger. Those with weak constitutions and Qi and blood deficiency should frequently consume foods that replenish Qi, nourish blood, and alleviate pain, such as chicken, duck, fish, eggs, milk, animal livers and kidneys, and legumes.