Patient's question:
Detailed medical condition and consultation purpose: On the first day of my period, I experienced stomach pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting. I couldn't eat on the first day, and if I did, the pain would worsen. It only became bearable after I vomited. This has caused me to have several days each month where I can't eat properly. However, the pain only occurs on the first day and subsides after that. What could this be? What causes it? How can it be treated? I'm sure it's stomach pain, not abdominal pain! It has been happening for a long time, and I always need to take pain relievers to manage it. But then I experience stomach acid reflux, pain, nausea, and vomiting.Doctor's answer:
Dysmenorrhea refers to pain in the lower abdomen or lower back experienced by women during their menstrual period and its surrounding days, sometimes even extending to the lumbar-sacral region. It occurs in cycles with menstruation, and in severe cases, it may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, profuse sweating, cold extremities, or even fainting, affecting work and daily life. Currently, it is commonly classified into primary and secondary types.Primary dysmenorrhea has not yet been fully understood, with no underlying organic lesions. It is more common in unmarried and childless women under 25, often developing 6–12 months after menarche. Most cases improve or even disappear after reaching childbearing age or marriage. Secondary dysmenorrhea has clear causes and is more common in women of childbearing age, especially married women over 30. Their reproductive organs have undergone organic lesions, which can be detected during gynecological examinations, such as an enlarged uterus with restricted mobility and tenderness, or thickened adnexa with tenderness. It is necessary to seek medical attention at a formal hospital, as symptomatic treatment targeting the primary disease is required to alleviate symptoms.
In addition to maintaining personal hygiene, avoiding strenuous exercise during menstruation, gentle abdominal massage, and staying warm, medication prescribed by a doctor may also be used. Examples include pain relievers like Advil, aspirin, or Dysmenorrhea Treasure Granules. Depending on individual circumstances, traditional Chinese medicine or warm therapy may also be applied.
Recommendations:
- Consume yogurt and milk
- Avoid exposure to cold
- Refrain from alcohol
- Limit caffeine intake
- Engage in moderate exercise
- Stay warm
- Drink blood-boosting soups