Ways to relieve and treat menstrual cramps

Relieving and treating dysmenorrhea can be done through hot compresses, taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, oral contraceptives, traditional Chinese medicine conditioning, surgical treatment and other methods. Dysmenorrhea is usually caused by excessive secretion of prostaglandins, endometriosis, adenomyosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, congenital uterine malformations and other causes.

1. Hot compress

Hot compress on the lower abdomen can promote local blood circulation and reduce uterine smooth muscle spasm. Use a 40-45℃ hot water bottle or baby warmer and cover the lower abdominal area for 15-20 minutes. Be careful to avoid low-temperature burns. This method is suitable for primary dysmenorrhea. If it is accompanied by fever or severe abdominal pain, you need to seek medical treatment. Hot compresses can be used in combination with medications, but for severe organic diseases, priority should be given to treating the primary disease.

2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Drugs such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, and celecoxib capsules can inhibit prostaglandin synthesis and relieve moderate or below pain. This type of medicine needs to be taken 1-2 days before menstruation for better results, but patients with gastrointestinal ulcers should use it with caution. If melena or vomiting blood occurs during medication, the medication should be discontinued immediately. Patients with long-term dysmenorrhea need to be investigated for secondary causes such as endometriosis.

3. Oral contraceptives

Short-acting contraceptive pills such as ethinyl estradiol cyproterone tablets and drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol tablets can inhibit ovulation and reduce endometrial prostaglandin secretion. It is suitable for patients who need contraception and have severe menstrual cramps. It needs to be taken continuously for 3-6 menstrual cycles to be effective. It is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypertension and thrombosis, and liver function needs to be monitored during medication. This treatment needs to be carried out under the guidance of a gynecologist.

4. Traditional Chinese Medicine conditioning

For patients with qi stagnation and blood stasis, you can take Yuanhu Zhitong Tablets, for those with cold coagulation and blood stasis, Shaofu Zhuyu Pills, and for those with weak qi and blood, Wuji Baifeng Pills are recommended. Combined with moxibustion at Guanyuan, Sanyinjiao and other acupoints, 2-3 times a week. The treatment cycle of traditional Chinese medicine is relatively long, usually requiring more than 3 menstrual cycles. During treatment, avoid eating raw or cold food, and avoid strenuous exercise during menstruation.

5. Surgical treatment

Laparoscopic uterine neurectomy is suitable for refractory primary dysmenorrhea, and endometrial ablation can be used for patients with adenomyosis who have no need for reproduction. The surgery requires hospitalization, and there may be side effects such as decreased menstrual flow after the surgery. Sacral neuromodulation is a new therapy that modulates pain signal conduction by implanting electrodes, but it is expensive and requires long-term follow-up.

Patients with dysmenorrhea should keep their abdomen warm every day and avoid strenuous exercise and cold baths during menstruation. Increase the intake of whole grains, deep-sea fish, nuts and other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and reduce high-salt and high-sugar diets. Perform light exercise such as walking or yoga for 30 minutes every day to promote endorphin secretion. Record the changes in menstrual cycle and pain level. If the pain continues to worsen or the menstrual period is prolonged, you should promptly go to the gynecologist to check for organic diseases. Psychological relaxation training can also help reduce pain sensitivity.