Patient's question:
Hello everyone, I am 20 years old. I have a sexual life.Why do I experience severe abdominal pain when I have my period?
It's extremely painful, to the point where I can't sit, stand, or lie down comfortably. Sometimes I even don't have the energy to eat. During my period, I frequently need to use the restroom. The first day is the worst, and this pain can last for 2-3 days, making me feel very uncomfortable. I really want to get rid of this situation.
Every time it comes, I have to take pain medication to relieve the pain. Sometimes one pill works, but other times I need 2-3 pills.
Doctor's answer:
Hello: This may be a symptom of dysmenorrhea.Precautions and Treatment for Dysmenorrhea:
After identifying the possible causes of dysmenorrhea through medical history and physical examinations, the following treatments can be administered:
(1) General Treatment
Conduct necessary health education to alleviate anxiety, tension, and fear, and reduce mental stress. Timely treatment of chronic systemic diseases is essential. Those with developmental issues or weak constitutions should correct these conditions. Begin physical exercise to enhance physical fitness. Avoid strenuous exercise and excessive fatigue during the menstrual period, prevent exposure to cold, and pay attention to menstrual hygiene.
(2) Prostaglandin Synthetase Inhibitors
To reduce prostaglandin release, take 25mg of indomethacin, 0.3g of acetylsalicylic acid, or 250mg of mefenamic acid orally 3–5 days before the period, 2–4 times daily. These may be effective.
(3) Acupuncture and Moxibustion Therapy
During an episode of dysmenorrhea, the main acupoints are Qihai, Hegu, and Sanyinjiao; the auxiliary acupoints are Guanyuan, Zongzi, and Zusanli. First, stimulate the main acupoints with strong intensity, retain the needles for 10–15 minutes. If the pain persists, add auxiliary acupoints or moxibustion on Qihai and Guanyuan.
(4) Hormonal Therapy
1. Ovulation Suppression
Since dysmenorrhea primarily occurs in ovulatory cycles, oral contraceptives I or II can be tried to suppress ovulation, using the same method as for contraception. This may alleviate symptoms. Alternatively, take 5–10mg of medroxyprogesterone, 2.5–5mg of norethisterone, or 4–8mg of megestrol daily, starting on the 5th day of the menstrual period, for 20–22 days per cycle, for a total of 3 cycles. This is also effective for endometriosis and in women of longer duration.