Patient's question:
Severe abdominal pain during menstruation, how should it be treated?Doctor's answer:
Hello, during the days before or after menstruation or during the menstrual period, women may experience lower abdominal and lumbosacral pain. In severe cases, the abdominal pain can be intense, accompanied by pale complexion, cold hands and feet, and even fainting. This condition is known as "dysmenorrhea," also referred to as "menstrual pain." Dysmenorrhea typically lasts for several hours or 1–2 days, and the abdominal pain usually subsides after the menstrual flow becomes regular. This condition is more common among young women and is one of the most prevalent gynecological disorders.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 congelation in the uterine cavity, qi and blood deficiency, and damp-heat accumulation in the lower abdomen. Dietary therapy can play a significant role in prevention and treatment.
For dysmenorrhea patients, it is advisable to follow a light and easily digestible diet 3–5 days before the onset of 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 exacerbating dysmenorrhea. Once menstruation begins, it is even more important to avoid all cold, indigestible, and foods, such as chili peppers, raw scallions, raw garlic, pepper, and strong alcohol. During this period, patients can moderately consume acidic foods, such as pickled vegetables or vinegar, as acidic foods can help alleviate pain. Additionally, dysmenorrhea sufferers should maintain regular bowel movements before or after menstruation, as constipation can trigger dysmenorrhea and increase pain. Some people believe that drinking a small amount of wine during dysmenorrhea can help regulate mood, relieve liver qi stagnation, and promote smooth Qi flow. Red wine has a pungent and sweet, warm nature—pungency disperses and promotes, making it effective for dysmenorrhea caused by cold and damp congelation, helping to dispel cold, remove dampness, activate blood, and unblock the meridians. Sweetness nourishes and moistens, which can also be beneficial.