Is dysmenorrhea a disease?

Written by Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 24, 2024
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Dysmenorrhea is divided into primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea refers to painful menstruation without organic lesions in the reproductive organs. It is mainly caused by an increase in chemicals during menstruation that stimulate uterine contractions and enhance vascular spasms, leading to uterine ischemia and hypoxia. This condition is not a disease, and relieving excessive tension can effectively alleviate the pain. However, if the pain is severe and unbearable, oral analgesics can be taken for symptomatic treatment. Secondary dysmenorrhea, on the other hand, is caused by organic lesions in the reproductive organs and is considered a disease.

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How to alleviate menstrual pain: little tips

For women with dysmenorrhea, it is recommended to maintain sufficient sleep and rest, apply a hot water bag on the abdomen or use heating pads for relief. During dysmenorrhea, drinking warm water, brown sugar water, or ginger sugar water can be helpful. Additionally, avoiding raw, cold, and spicy foods can alleviate the symptoms. Dysmenorrhea is a common gynecological disease characterized by pain in the lower abdomen, a sense of heaviness, backache, and other physical discomforts before and during menstruation, significantly affecting the patient's quality of life.

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Can I drink milk tea if I have menstrual cramps?

It is generally not recommended to drink milk tea during menstrual cramps. This is because milk tea contains some caffeine, and drinking caffeine during menstrual cramps can easily induce anxiety and irritability in women, which aggravates the symptoms of menstrual pain. It also consumes some of the energy stored in the body and affects metabolism. Additionally, tea contains tannic acid, and during menstruation, when a woman's blood hemoglobin levels are low, drinking milk tea can hinder the absorption of iron from food, which can exacerbate anemia. Furthermore, some dairy products in milk tea, such as cream, cheese, and cultured milk, can disrupt the balance of trace elements in the body and are factors that aggravate menstrual cramps. Therefore, it is not advised to drink milk tea during menstrual cramps.

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What to eat to alleviate dysmenorrhea

If the dysmenorrhea is non-pathological, it can be improved through medication and dietary adjustments. In terms of medication, if the dysmenorrhea is caused by a cold uterus with scanty menstrual flow and poor blood circulation, Yimu Capsules can be taken continuously for three days starting from the first day of menstruation. During non-menstrual periods, Wujibaifeng Pills can be taken for conditioning. You can eat more foods that invigorate blood circulation and warm the uterus, such as red dates and longans. Additionally, avoid cold foods in your regular diet, especially in summer; try not to consume frozen drinks or cold foods. It's beneficial to drink some warm water and pay attention to keeping your abdomen warm. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Can you drink milk during menstrual cramps?

Generally, it is okay, but it is recommended to heat the milk before drinking to avoid catching a cold. During menstruation, women can drink a cup of hot milk before going to bed each night, which can help with sleep and alleviate symptoms of painful menstruation. Dysmenorrhea is a common gynecological condition in women, characterized by pain in the lower abdomen, bloating, accompanied by backache or other discomforts before and during menstruation, which in severe cases can affect the quality of life. During menstruation, it is important to maintain a regular schedule, avoid staying up late, avoid consuming spicy and stimulating foods, and refrain from eating cold foods such as ice cream. It is also important to keep the abdomen warm, possibly using a hot water bottle to apply heat to the abdomen.

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The harm of dysmenorrhea

Some women experience severe dysmenorrhea, where the pain can radiate to the root of the thigh, affecting their normal sleep and concentration during the day, which in turn affects their work efficiency. Some women experience such severe dysmenorrhea during their menstrual period that they even need to take leave from work to rest at home. Additionally, some women may suffer from secondary dysmenorrhea, which is linked to underlying diseases. For example, conditions like adenomyosis, endometriosis, and endometrial polyps can alter the internal environment of the uterine cavity and change its coagulation state, leading to increased menstrual flow. This can cause anemia due to blood loss and also affect normal pregnancy.