Is dysmenorrhea a disease?

Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on November 25, 2024
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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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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.

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Written by Huang Shuai
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can you soak your feet if you have menstrual cramps?

Soaking your feet can help with menstrual cramps, as long as the menstrual flow is not too heavy. You can add some Chinese herbal medicine to the footbath, or just use plain warm water. Soaking your feet helps to activate blood circulation and can relieve menstrual cramps, which are often caused by smooth muscle spasms related to being chilled. Getting chilled often leads to spasms and increased pain in smooth muscles. You can soak your feet for an extended period as long as the water temperature is not too hot. Additionally, applying a hot water bottle directly to the abdomen can also be quite effective. Generally, it's best to avoid using painkillers directly, as medications can be harsh on the stomach and have other side effects.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Symptoms of dysmenorrhea

If you usually have regular periods and experience dysmenorrhea during menstruation, you should first compare it with your usual state. If the symptoms have worsened, you should consider whether this is caused by inflammation. Some people have adenomyosis and also often experience progressively worsening dysmenorrhea. In others, dysmenorrhea symptoms occur along with delayed menstruation, which is often related to pregnancy. Some experience dysmenorrhea symptoms related to exposure to cold or consuming cold foods. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct an examination to clarify the situation.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
41sec home-news-image

What should I do if menstrual cramps are very painful?

In cases of severe menstrual pain, it is crucial to strictly keep warm and to avoid eating or touching cold items. You can also opt for heat therapy, such as using a hot water bottle on the lower abdomen or soaking feet in hot water. This can quickly relieve contractions and spasms of the uterine smooth muscle, and swiftly ease the symptoms of painful menstruation. Some people’s menstrual pain is related to inflammation, and others might suffer from conditions such as adenomyosis or endometriosis. These cases require regular check-ups and treatment.