Patient's question:
Currently, in general:On the first day of my period, I always have pain, which usually subsides in the following few days. The cycle is approximately one week long, and on the third day, I usually have a blood clot that is 2-3 cm long. The rest is normal menstrual blood. I don’t have any other discomfort. Please ask the doctor if this is normal?
Medical history: Mild vaginitis
Doctor's answer:
Hello, it should be dysmenorrhea.Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that dysmenorrhea is often caused by poor blood and qi circulation or qi and blood deficiency. Clinically, common symptoms include qi stagnation and blood stasis, cold congelation 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 dysmenorrhea patients, 3–5 days before menstruation, the diet should be light and easy to digest. 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 worsening dysmenorrhea. After 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 eat some sour foods, such as pickled vegetables and vinegar, as sour foods can help relieve pain. Additionally, dysmenorrhea patients should maintain regular bowel movements before or after menstruation. They should eat more honey, bananas, celery, sweet potatoes, etc., as constipation can induce dysmenorrhea and increase pain. Some people believe that dysmenorrhea patients can drink a little wine, which can help regulate mood, relieve liver qi stagnation, and promote qi and blood flow. Wine is pungent and sweet with a warm nature. The pungent flavor can dispel and promote, making it effective for dysmenorrhea caused by cold and damp congelation, as it can dispel cold, remove dampness, activate blood, and unblock meridians. The sweet and moistening properties can nourish and soothe, making it effective for dysmenorrhea caused by qi and blood deficiency, as it can warm the yang, nourish blood, and relieve pain. Dysmenorrhea patients should have a varied diet and avoid monotony, regularly consuming vegetables and fruits that regulate qi and activate blood, such as chrysanthemum greens, orchid roots, coriander, carrots, oranges,, and ginger. Those who are physically weak and have qi and blood deficiency should