What's the matter with sudden menstrual cramps?

Sudden dysmenorrhea may be caused by primary dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, adenomyosis, mental stress and other factors. It can be relieved by hot compress, drug analgesia, traditional Chinese medicine conditioning, lifestyle adjustment, surgical treatment and other methods.

1. Primary dysmenorrhea

Primary dysmenorrhea is usually associated with excessive secretion of prostaglandins and is common in young women after menarche. The pain usually occurs 1-2 days before menstruation and manifests as spasmodic pain in the lower abdomen, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as headache and nausea. You can use ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, acetaminophen tablets, naproxen sodium capsules and other drugs as directed by your doctor to relieve pain. Keeping your abdomen warm can help reduce symptoms.

2. Endometriosis

Endometriosis may cause sudden worsening of dysmenorrhea, which often radiates to the lumbosacral region and may become progressively worse. The disease is related to factors such as reflux of menstrual blood and immune abnormalities, and may be accompanied by symptoms such as dyspareunia and infertility. Treatments such as dienogest tablets, leuprolide acetate microspheres, and levonorgestrel intrauterine sustained-release systems can be used as directed by your doctor. Regular gynecological exams can help with early detection.

3. Pelvic inflammatory disease

Dysmenorrhea caused by pelvic inflammatory disease is mostly secondary and may be accompanied by symptoms such as fever and abnormal vaginal discharge. Inflammation may cause adhesions in the fallopian tubes, increasing the risk of infertility. Antibiotics such as metronidazole sodium chloride injection, ceftriaxone sodium powder injection, and doxycycline enteric-coated capsules can be used as directed by the doctor. During treatment, sexual intercourse should be avoided and the perineum should be kept clean.

4. Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is more common in women between the ages of 30 and 50. Dysmenorrhea progressively worsens and may be accompanied by increased menstrual flow and prolonged menstrual periods. The disease is associated with the invasion of the endometrium into the myometrium. You can use levonorgestrel sustained-release intrauterine systems, mifepristone tablets, gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues and other drugs as directed by your doctor to control symptoms. Severe cases may require hysterectomy.

5. Mental stress

Long-term mental stress may aggravate dysmenorrhea symptoms through neuroendocrine pathways. Stress causes increased secretion of prostaglandins and increased uterine contractions. You can relieve stress through yoga, meditation and other methods to ensure adequate sleep. Moderate consumption of magnesium-rich foods such as nuts and dark green vegetables can help relax muscles. Avoid strenuous exercise and overexertion during menstruation.

It is recommended to record the menstrual cycle and pain characteristics, and avoid catching cold and eating cold food during menstruation. If the pain persists or is accompanied by abnormal bleeding, you should seek medical attention promptly. Maintaining a regular schedule and moderate exercise can help regulate endocrine and reduce the probability of dysmenorrhea. You can drink warm ginger tea or brown sugar water during menstruation to help relieve discomfort.