Patient's question:
Since yesterday, my lower abdomen has been hurting badly, with a heavy, dragging sensation. It's a dull ache, and I can't breathe deeply without pain. In the afternoon, there was some bleeding, but only a small amount, and it only occurred then—it didn't continue. It doesn't seem to be my period. The pain comes in waves, and it's very uncomfortable.What kind of help do I need: What could be causing the lower abdominal pain and the heavy, dragging sensation?
Doctor's answer:
Analysis of the condition: This should be classified as dysmenorrhea. Dysmenorrhea refers to the common and frequently occurring condition of severe lower abdominal pain or lower back and sacral discomfort before, during, or after menstruation. It is divided into primary and secondary types. Primary dysmenorrhea, also known as functional dysmenorrhea, is referred to in traditional Chinese medicine as "menstrual abdominal pain." The cause of primary dysmenorrhea is not yet fully understood. It may be due to factors such as mental tension, declining health status, uterine spasmodic contractions leading to uterine ischemia, or uterine retroversion causing menstrual blood retention. Other contributing factors include uterine underdevelopment, an imbalance between uterine muscle and fibrous tissue, and similar conditions. Secondary dysmenorrhea is often caused by diseases such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or tumors. Due to poor blood and qi circulation, qi stagnation and blood stasis, the (zōng) palace is deprived of nourishment. Cold congealing in the palace, damp-heat descending, and liver-kidney deficiency can cause menstrual obstruction, leading to pain.Traditional medicine addresses different symptoms and individual differences. During menstruation, it focuses on regulating blood flow and alleviating pain to treat the symptoms. In daily life, it identifies the root cause based on syndrome differentiation to treat the root. By promoting smooth qi flow and harmonizing blood, ensuring smooth menstrual blood circulation, the pain will naturally subside.