Patient's question:
27 years old, menstrual cramps, severe abdominal pain, but recently there has been particularly sharp lower back pain, which has never been severe before, only mild soreness. My mother also used to have menstrual cramps. I don't know if it's hereditary.When I took birth control pills, the symptoms of menstrual cramps basically disappeared. Is it possible that my estrogen levels are low?
Doctor's answer:
Hello: Based on your condition, it should be classified as dysmenorrhea. Dysmenorrhea is defined as lower abdominal pain occurring during or before/after menstruation, which affects work or health. It can be divided into primary and secondary dysmenorrhea. For secondary dysmenorrhea, etiological treatment should be administered. For primary dysmenorrhea, when the pain is severe, "atropine" 0.5 mg can be administered intramuscularly, or symptomatic treatment can be provided using analgesics such as "aspirin." Progestogen therapy can also be used, such as taking "norethisterone" 2.5–5 mg or "medroxyprogesterone" 4–8 mg orally once daily, starting on the 5th day of menstruation, and continuing for 22 days, with a 3-cycle course. Additionally, "progesterone" 10–20 mg can be injected intramuscularly once daily, starting 7 days before menstruation, and administered for 5 consecutive days. Estrogen therapy, such as taking "ethinyl estradiol" 0.5–1 g orally once daily, starting on the 6th day of the menstrual cycle, and continuing for 20 days, can also be selected.For dysmenorrhea patients, the diet should be light and easily digestible 3–5 days before menstruation. Easily digestible foods should be consumed, and overeating should be avoided, especially cold foods, as they can stimulate uterine and fallopian tube contractions, thereby inducing or exacerbating dysmenorrhea. Once menstruation begins, it is even more important to avoid all cold, indigestible, and irritating foods, such as chili peppers, raw scallions, raw garlic, pepper, and strong alcohol. During this period, patients can appropriately consume acidic foods, such as pickled vegetables or vinegar, as acidic foods can help alleviate pain. Additionally, dysmenorrhea patients should maintain regular bowel movements before or after menstruation. It is advisable to consume more honey, bananas, celery, white