Patient's question:
During menstruation, there are blood clots. Sometimes, there is a piece that looks like a blood clot but is flexible and does not dissolve, and it is pink in color. Lower abdominal pain and a feeling of coolness, along with vomiting, occur. The person has never been pregnant.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 good role in prevention and treatment.For menstrual pain patients, it is advisable to follow a light and easily digestible diet 3-5 days before the onset of menstruation. They should consume easily digestible foods and avoid overeating. In particular, they should avoid cold foods, as they can stimulate uterine and fallopian tube contractions, thereby triggering or worsening menstrual pain. Once menstruation begins, it is even more important to avoid all cold, difficult-to-digest, and irritating foods, such as chili peppers, raw scallions, raw garlic, pepper, and strong alcohol. During this period, patients can moderately consume sour foods, such as pickles or vinegar, as sour foods can help alleviate pain. Additionally, menstrual pain patients should maintain regular bowel movements before or after menstruation. They should eat more honey, bananas, celery, sweet potatoes, etc., as constipation can trigger menstrual pain and increase pain intensity. Some people believe that moderate consumption of a small amount of red wine can help relax the mood, relieve liver stagnation, and promote Qi and blood flow. Red wine has a pungent and sweet, warm nature. The pungent flavor disperses and promotes circulation, making it effective for menstrual pain caused by cold and damp stagnation, helping to dispel cold and dampness, activate blood flow, and unblock menstruation. The sweet and moistening properties can nourish and soothe, providing warm Yang and blood nourishment, as well as relieving pain for menstrual pain caused by Qi and blood deficiency. Menstrual pain patients should have a varied diet and avoid excessive consumption of any single food. They should regularly eat vegetables and fruits that regulate Qi and promote blood circulation, such as chrysanthemum greens, orchid roots, coriander, carrots, oranges, (Fuzi), and ginger. Those with weak constitutions and Qi and blood deficiency should frequently consume foods that replenish Qi and blood.