How to relieve severe menstrual cramps

Severe menstrual cramps can be relieved by applying hot compresses to the abdomen, taking painkillers, drinking ginger tea, moderate exercise, and acupuncture. Dysmenorrhea is usually caused by excessive secretion of prostaglandins, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, adenomyosis, mental stress and other reasons.

1. Apply heat to the abdomen

Apply a hot water bottle or baby warmer to the lower abdomen and keep the temperature at 40-50 degrees Celsius for 15-30 minutes. Hot compress can relax the uterine muscles, improve local blood circulation, and reduce the stimulation of pain nerves by prostaglandins. It is suitable for patients with primary dysmenorrhea and no organic disease, and can be repeated until the pain is relieved. Be careful to avoid scalding the skin, and diabetics need to carefully control the temperature.

2. Take painkillers

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen extended-release capsules, acetaminophen tablets, and naproxen sodium tablets can inhibit prostaglandin synthesis. It is recommended to start taking it 1-2 days before menstruation and continue for 2-3 days for better results. It must be used as directed by a doctor. Ibuprofen is contraindicated in patients with peptic tract ulcers, and acetaminophen should be used with caution in patients with abnormal liver function. If you vomit blood or black stool after taking the medicine, you should stop taking the medicine and seek medical advice immediately.

3. Drink ginger tea

Take 5 grams of fresh ginger slices and boil them for 10 minutes, add brown sugar to taste and drink, 2-3 times a day. The gingerols in ginger have anti-inflammatory and anti-uterine contraction effects, and brown sugar can replenish energy. It is suitable for those who are afraid of colds and have cold hands and feet during menstruation, but patients with diabetes should reduce the amount of brown sugar, and patients with gastroesophageal reflux should not drink it on an empty stomach.

4. Moderate exercise

After the pain is relieved on the 2nd to 3rd day of menstruation, you can perform low-intensity exercises such as yoga cat pose and slow walking for 15-20 minutes each time. Exercise stimulates the secretion of endorphins, which can help relieve pain and anxiety. Avoid activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as skipping ropes and sit-ups. Patients with endometriosis should consult their doctor for exercise intensity.

5. Acupuncture treatment

Select acupuncture points such as Sanyinjiao, Guanyuan, and the uterus for acupuncture. Leave the needles in for 20-30 minutes each time for 3 consecutive menstrual cycles. Acupuncture relieves uterine spasm by regulating autonomic nervous function, and secondary dysmenorrhea needs to be treated in conjunction with the primary disease. People with coagulation dysfunction or needle fainting should not use it and should choose a regular medical institution for operation.

During menstruation, be careful to avoid raw or cold food and strenuous exercise, and ensure 7-8 hours of sleep a day. You can eat spinach, beef and other iron-rich foods in moderation to prevent anemia, and use lavender essential oil aromatherapy to help relax. If the pain is accompanied by a sudden increase in menstrual flow, fever, or lasts for more than 3 days, you need to see a gynecologist in time to check for organic diseases. Recording the time and changes in symptoms of each dysmenorrhea can help doctors diagnose it.