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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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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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Written by Wang Jing Hua
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Can I drink milk tea during menstrual cramps?

Dysmenorrhea primarily requires avoiding cold beverages. Milk tea can certainly be consumed as long as it's not too cold and you don't have a diet that leans excessively in any direction. Pay attention to not consuming too much to avoid conditions such as high blood sugar, high urine sugar, and high body weight. Dysmenorrhea mainly involves identifying the underlying causes. It's important to determine whether it is related to inflammation of the uterus, or conditions such as endometriosis or adenomyosis. Some cases of dysmenorrhea are simply due to what is known as a "cold uterus", which requires regular physical exercise to improve overall blood circulation and body constitution, gradually alleviating the symptoms of dysmenorrhea.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
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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 Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What should I do if I have severe menstrual cramps?

In clinical practice, dysmenorrhea can be divided into primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea. If the patient has primary dysmenorrhea, there are no specific effective treatment plans available clinically. It is recommended that the patient take oral painkillers to alleviate the symptoms of dysmenorrhea. If it is secondary dysmenorrhea, the patient needs to immediately undergo gynecological ultrasound and examinations at a local hospital to determine the cause of the dysmenorrhea. Once the cause is identified, an effective treatment plan can be developed based on the cause. Once the cause is addressed, the symptoms of dysmenorrhea will naturally be alleviated.

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Written by Li Lin
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How is dysmenorrhea caused by adenomyosis treated?

Adenomyosis is a condition in which active endometrial tissue invades the muscular layer of the uterus. The main symptom of adenomyosis is progressively worsening dysmenorrhea. When symptoms are mild, conservative treatments such as physical therapy, traditional Chinese medicine, or pain relief medication can be adopted. However, if the symptoms are severe and conservative treatments fail to alleviate the dysmenorrhea, surgical options may be considered. There are several surgical methods available: one is presacral neurectomy for pain relief, and another, for patients who do not require fertility, is total hysterectomy.