Why do I have scanty menstrual flow and dysmenorrhea?

Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 13, 2024
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When women experience reduced menstrual flow and dysmenorrhea, it is important to ask in detail about their menstrual history, including whether they have had any intrauterine procedures. For instance, some women may experience reduced menstrual flow and dysmenorrhea after undergoing late-term abortions, multiple childbirths, diagnostic curettage, or abortion surgeries. At this time, it is essential to consider whether there are any uterine factors, such as intrauterine adhesions that could cause these symptoms. Besides affecting menstruation, these conditions can also lead to infertility in women. A hysteroscopic examination can be performed for diagnosis. Additionally, some women might exhibit these symptoms without any abnormal medical history; in such cases, the causes could be endocrine disorders or primary dysmenorrhea.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.

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Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What foods relieve menstrual pain?

You should pay attention to eating foods that warm the uterus and promote blood circulation, which can help alleviate menstrual pain. Such foods mainly include red dates and longan. If consumed in summer, you can appropriately add some lotus seeds to prevent heatiness, while in winter, you can add some goji berries. Additionally, you can eat some mutton and drink brown sugar water during your menstrual period. Usually, avoid cold foods, especially those taken straight from the refrigerator, as well as chilled drinks and cold desserts. Try to avoid spicy foods and abstain from smoking and alcohol.

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Written by Xu Xiao Ming
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Why does adenomyosis cause dysmenorrhea?

Patients with adenomyosis primarily exhibit significant dysmenorrhea as a clinical symptom, which is related to the pathological factors of the disease. The cause of adenomyosis is the ectopic placement of the endometrial tissue into the muscular layer and glands of the uterus. Due to this displacement, with each menstrual period, the changes in the body's estrogen levels affect the ectopic endometrial tissue, causing the production of substances similar to menstrual blood. This results in the enlargement of the uterine cavity and the hardening of the uterus, contributing to the pathologic types of adenomyosis and resulting in painful menstruation. It is recommended that patients with adenomyosis seek medical examination and treatment at a hospital.

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Written by Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is dysmenorrhea a disease?

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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Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Causes of irregular menstruation and dysmenorrhea

There are many causes of menstrual disorders and dysmenorrhea, so we must first consider changes caused by organic lesions, such as adenomyosis, which can cause increased menstrual flow, prolonged menstruation, and progressively worsening dysmenorrhea. There may even be pain during sexual intercourse, and abdominal pain may also occur occasionally. Apart from organic lesions, even after excluding organic conditions, some women may still experience menstrual disorders and dysmenorrhea. For example, adolescent girls often experience primary dysmenorrhea along with menstrual irregularities, which could lead to functional bleeding.