How to relieve menstrual cramps

Dysmenorrhea can be relieved by using hot compresses on the abdomen, moderate exercise, taking painkillers, drinking brown sugar ginger tea, and acupoint massage. Dysmenorrhea is usually caused by excessive secretion of prostaglandins, abnormal uterine contractions, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, mental stress and other factors.

1. Apply heat to the abdomen

Place a hot water bottle or baby warmer on the lower abdomen and control the temperature at 40-50 degrees Celsius for 15-30 minutes. Hot compress can promote local blood circulation, relax uterine muscles, and reduce spasmodic pain caused by prostaglandins. Be careful to avoid scalding the skin, and avoid using overheating or cold stimulation during menstruation.

2. Moderate exercise

During menstruation, do low-intensity exercise such as walking and yoga, 3-5 times a week, 20-30 minutes each time. Exercise can stimulate the secretion of endorphins, help relieve pain, and improve pelvic blood circulation. Avoid strenuous exercise that may cause fatigue, and keep warm before and after exercise.

3. Take painkillers

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen extended-release capsules, acetaminophen tablets, and naproxen sodium tablets can inhibit prostaglandin synthesis. The drug must be used under the guidance of a doctor, avoid taking it on an empty stomach, and use with caution in those with gastrointestinal discomfort. People with severe dysmenorrhea can use short-acting contraceptive pills such as drospirenone and ethinylestradiol tablets to regulate hormones as directed by their doctor.

4. Drink brown sugar ginger tea

Take 15 grams of brown sugar and 3 slices of ginger, brew it and drink it, 1-2 times a day. Brown sugar contains iron that can replenish menstrual blood loss, and gingerol can promote blood vessel dilation. People with hot and dry constitutions should reduce the amount of ginger, and patients with diabetes need to control their sugar intake. It can be combined with red dates, wolfberry and other ingredients to enhance the blood-enriching effect.

5. Acupoint massage

Press Sanyinjiao, Guanyuan, Qihai and other acupoints for 1-2 minutes on each acupoint. Sanyinjiao is located 3 inches above the tip of the medial malleolus, Guanyuan is 3 inches below the umbilicus, and Qihai is 1.5 inches below the umbilicus. Massage can regulate the Chong and Ren pulses and relieve uterine spasm. It is recommended to start daily massage 1 week before menstruation, and the intensity should be gentle during menstruation.

During menstruation, you should pay attention to keeping your abdomen warm and avoid cold and raw foods and strenuous exercise. Ensure 7-8 hours of sleep a day and wear loose clothing to reduce the feeling of oppression. Record the menstrual cycle and pain level. If there is continued aggravation, excessive menstrual bleeding or non-menstrual pain, you need to seek medical treatment in time to rule out organic diseases. People with long-term dysmenorrhea can perform pelvic floor muscle training. Kegel exercises three times a week can help improve pelvic blood circulation.