Patient's question:
Hello doctor! I have had menstrual cramps for almost a year now. I haven't had a baby yet, but I don't want one either. Before my period comes, my breasts get sore, and my period is delayed. It takes about three or four hours for my stomach to start hurting badly, and I also experience vomiting. What should I do? Will it affect my future children? What do primary and secondary mean?Doctor's answer:
Hello,Primary dysmenorrhea is generally believed to be attributed to the following reasons: endometrial shedding (membranous dysmenorrhea), uterine underdevelopment, uterine flexion, cervical stenosis, poor posture and constitutional factors, allergic states, and psychological factors, etc.
Secondary Dysmenorrhea If pelvic organ abnormalities are found during bimanual examination in dysmenorrheic patients, it is classified as secondary dysmenorrhea. It is often misdiagnosed as primary dysmenorrhea when local abnormal signs are not yet apparent. Therefore, for dysmenorrhea that begins more than 3 years after menarche, secondary dysmenorrhea should be considered, and further examination is necessary.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that dysmenorrhea is often caused by poor blood and qi circulation or qi and blood deficiency. Common clinical manifestations 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 significant role in prevention and treatment.
Dysmenorrheic patients should follow a light and easily digestible diet 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 worsening 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 moderately consume acidic foods like pickles or vinegar, as acidic foods can help alleviate pain. Additionally, dysmenorrheic patients should maintain regular bowel movements before and after menstruation. It is advisable to consume more honey, bananas, celery, sweet potatoes, etc., as constipation can trigger dysmenorrhea and increase pain. Some believe that moderate consumption of wine can help relieve dysmenorrhea and promote relaxation