Patient's question:
I am 20 years old. My period is bright red and sticky, sometimes with small dark red blood clots. Today is the third day of my menstrual cycle, and I passed a larger "blood clot" that was dark purple, like meat. I can't identify what it is. Every time I have my period, my stomach hurts very much, my waist also hurts, and I have lumps in my breasts. My period lasts for 6-7 days. Is my condition serious?First follow-up question: Oh, "Every time I have my period, my stomach hurts very much, my waist also hurts, and I have lumps in my breasts" - how can I solve these problems?
Second follow-up question: Thank you.
Doctor's answer:
Hello, Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that menstrual pain 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 significant role in prevention and treatment.For menstrual pain patients, it is advisable to follow a light and easily digestible diet 3-5 days before the onset of menstruation. They should consume easily digestible foods and avoid overeating. In particular, raw and cold foods should be avoided, as they can stimulate uterine and fallopian tube contractions, potentially triggering or worsening menstrual pain. Once menstruation begins, it is even more important to avoid all raw, cold, and difficult-to-digest or irritating foods, such as chili peppers, raw scallions, raw garlic, pepper, and strong alcohol. During this period, patients can moderately consume sour foods like pickled vegetables or vinegar, as sour foods may help alleviate pain.
Additionally, menstrual pain patients should maintain regular bowel movements before and after menstruation. They should eat more honey, bananas, celery, sweet potatoes, and other foods, as constipation can trigger menstrual pain and increase discomfort. Some people believe that moderate consumption of red wine can help improve mood, relieve liver stagnation, and promote Qi flow. Red wine has a pungent and sweet, warm nature. The pungent flavor disperses and promotes Qi, which can help dispel cold and dampness, activate blood circulation, and regulate menstruation. The sweet and moistening properties nourish and soothe, which is beneficial for menstrual pain caused by Qi and blood deficiency, helping to warm the Yang, replenish blood, and alleviate pain.
Menstrual pain patients should maintain a varied diet and avoid excessive consumption of any single food. They should regularly eat vegetables and fruits that regulate Qi and promote blood circulation, such as chrysanthemum greens, orchid roots, coriander, carrots, oranges, (foshou), and ginger. Those with weak constitutions and Qi and blood deficiency should frequently consume foods that replenish Qi, blood, and the liver and kidneys, such as chicken, ducks, fish, eggs, milk, animal livers and kidneys, and legumes.
It is recommended to use specific medications under the guidance of a doctor.