Patient's question:
I have had two months with my period, experiencing bloating and pain in my lower abdomen and waist. I don't know why, and whether it's caused by the IUD. I have had the IUD for fifteen years, but every time I go for a check-up, they say it's fine. When my period comes, it's as uncomfortable as giving birth. Additional question: This symptom appeared after my period started, not before or after.Doctor's answer:
Your condition is considered to be related to premenstrual tension syndrome, which is associated with an elevated ratio of total estrogen/progesterone. Excessive estrogen in the body or relatively excessive estrogen leads to water and sodium retention, resulting in symptoms such as edema and headaches. Additionally, individuals who are prone to stress, irritability, and depression are more likely to develop premenstrual tension syndrome. This discomfort typically begins 7-14 days before menstruation and worsens 2-3 days before the onset of menstruation. It is characterized by mental tension, nervousness, irritability or depression, general fatigue, easy exhaustion, insomnia, headaches, difficulty concentrating, and memory impairment. Some individuals may also experience swelling in the hands, feet, and face, lower back pain, a feeling of heaviness or pain in the lower abdomen, and breast tenderness. These mental symptoms and water/sodium retention symptoms usually disappear or significantly improve after menstruation.First and foremost, it is important to alleviate mental stress and emotional burdens, and to approach menstruation with a calm and accepting attitude, striving for relaxation and comfort. In daily life, it is advisable to avoid unnecessary emotional stress, maintain a low-sodium diet, and establish a regular lifestyle. Engaging in more cultural and recreational activities, as well as physical exercise, can help alleviate symptoms significantly or even eliminate them. For those with more severe symptoms, under the guidance of a doctor, medications such as phenobarbital (a sedative), progesterone, or androgens may be prescribed for treatment.