How to relieve menstrual stomach pain

Menstrual stomach pain can be relieved by applying hot compresses, taking painkillers, adjusting diet, moderate exercise, and Chinese medicine conditioning. Menstrual stomach pain is usually caused by excessive secretion of prostaglandins, strong uterine contractions, cold, emotional stress, endometriosis and other reasons.

1. Hot compress

Use a hot water bottle or baby warmer to compress the lower abdomen, and control the temperature at 40-50 degrees Celsius for 15-30 minutes each time. Hot compress can promote pelvic blood circulation, relieve uterine smooth muscle spasm, and reduce prostaglandin sensitivity to pain. Be careful to avoid scalding the skin, and use with caution when bleeding during menstruation is heavy.

2. Painkillers

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, acetaminophen tablets, and naproxen sodium tablets can inhibit prostaglandin synthesis and are recommended to be used under the guidance of a doctor. People with severe dysmenorrhea can use short-acting contraceptive pills such as drospirenone and ethinylestradiol tablets to regulate hormone levels. Medications need to be taken at the initial stage of pain to be more effective.

3. Diet adjustment

Start reducing salt intake 3 days before menstruation to avoid aggravating edema. Consume moderate amounts of warm drinks such as ginger brown sugar water and longan and red date tea, and supplement with magnesium-rich bananas and nuts. Avoid eating cold, spicy and irritating foods. Caffeine drinks will aggravate vasoconstriction and need to be restricted.

4. Moderate exercise

On the 2nd to 3rd day of your menstrual period, you can engage in low-intensity exercise such as walking and yoga to promote endorphin secretion. Avoid sit-ups and other exercises that increase abdominal pressure. Kegel exercises can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, and long-term persistence can improve the blood supply to the uterus. The intensity of exercise is appropriate to induce slight sweating.

5. Traditional Chinese Medicine conditioning

Moxibustion on Guanyuan, Sanyinjiao and other acupoints for 15 minutes each time. Prescriptions such as Danggui Shaoyao Powder and Wenjing Decoction need to be used based on syndrome differentiation. Auricular acupoint pressure beans select reflection areas such as the uterus and endocrine system. People with weak constitution can use mugwort leaves to soak their feet. The water temperature should not exceed 45 degrees Celsius.

Maintain a regular schedule and avoid staying up late and overexerting yourself during menstruation. Wear loose clothing to reduce abdominal compression and use breathable sanitary products. Record the menstrual cycle and pain level. If symptoms such as continued aggravation, non-menstrual pain, or accompanying fever occur, seek medical attention promptly to rule out organic diseases. People with long-term dysmenorrhea are recommended to undergo gynecological examination and hormone level testing.