Why does it not hurt when lying down during menstrual cramps?

Written by Li Li Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on February 19, 2025
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Dysmenorrhea is generally caused by a cold uterus or catching a cold, which can be alleviated by lying down to press and shape the abdomen, thus reducing the pain. During menstruation, it is important to rest more and avoid vigorous activities, getting cold, and consuming raw, cold, or spicy foods which are irritating. Do not drink cold water, but use a hot water bottle to apply heat to the abdomen. One can seek treatment in hospitals or Traditional Chinese Medicine clinics for a diagnosis to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis through medication. During menstruation, women should not take baths or cold showers as it can easily harm physical and mental health, and it is also important to maintain vaginal cleanliness and hygiene. Additionally, attention should be given to getting more rest and eating nutritious foods.

Other Voices

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Does soaking feet in hot water work for menstrual cramps?

During menstrual cramps, soaking feet in hot water can promote blood circulation and somewhat relieve the pain. However, applying a hot water bottle to the abdomen is more effective as it raises the local temperature, which enhances local blood circulation and helps alleviate menstrual pain. The principle behind this is that the occurrence of menstrual cramps is due to an increase in prostaglandin levels in the blood during menstruation, leading to muscle contractions and even spasms, causing pain. Applying heat locally through methods like hot compresses can maintain high temperatures and promote blood circulation, facilitating the metabolism of prostaglandins and the relief of muscle spasms, thereby reducing or alleviating pain.

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Is it normal to have painful periods?

Dysmenorrhea is generally abnormal. Under normal circumstances, if menstruation involves ovulation, there may be slight discomfort in the lower abdomen during menstruation, which is considered normal. If dysmenorrhea is present and tends to worsen over time, this condition usually indicates the possibility of endometriosis. In such cases, it is essential to visit a hospital for a color ultrasound and a CA125 blood test to confirm if the pain is caused by endometriosis, and treatment should be based on the diagnostic results. Furthermore, if dysmenorrhea is caused by a cold uterus, symptoms might include pain accompanied by a cold sensation in the lower abdomen and cold extremities. In this case, it is typically necessary to take medicine that warms the meridians, dispels cold, and alleviates pain in the uterus. If dysmenorrhea is due to qi stagnation and blood stasis, one can take medicine that promotes blood circulation, removes blood stasis, and relieves pain in the meridians. Therefore, dysmenorrhea is not normal.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
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Is dysmenorrhea a disease?

Obvious and severe dysmenorrhea is also considered a disease. Even if physical examinations do not reveal any abnormalities, simple cold uterus or straightforward dysmenorrhea are recognized as diseases. It is advisable to routinely undergo physical examinations to identify causes related to dysmenorrhea. For instance, some people suffer from dysmenorrhea due to pelvic inflammation, others due to complications with intrauterine devices, and some can be diagnosed with conditions such as adenomyosis or endometriosis, which cause progressive dysmenorrhea symptoms.

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What is the cause of dysmenorrhea with scanty flow?

Dysmenorrhea and scanty menstrual flow are often related to a cold uterus. Therefore, women must be careful not to consume too much cold food, engage in appropriate outdoor activities, improve overall blood circulation, enhance gynecological circulation, and change their physical constitution. However, some people experience dysmenorrhea and reduced menstrual flow due to having undergone an abortion, which causes damage to the endometrium. Specific treatments are required in those cases, such as hysteroscopy for examination and treatment, and the use of estrogen and various traditional Chinese medicines for treatment and conditioning. It is also necessary to check for other issues like pelvic inflammation, endometriosis, adenomyosis, or cervical adhesions, etc. Identifying the specific cause is essential for targeted treatment.

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Can you drink coffee when you have menstrual cramps?

While drinking coffee does not significantly exacerbate menstrual pain, it can lead to excessive excitability and affect nerve functions. Moreover, too much coffee can cause stomach discomfort. Therefore, it is not recommended to drink coffee during periods of menstrual pain. Instead, it is advisable to drink more brown sugar ginger tea or eat easily digestible food, which helps in rapid recovery of the condition and is very beneficial in alleviating menstrual pain. During menstruation, it is also important to avoid cold foods.