Menstrual Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Relief Strategies

Menstrual pain-related issues?

Hello, Doctor: I am someone who easily experiences cold hands and feet.
Since high school, I have had menstrual pain.
Although my cycle has been quite regular, I often experience severe pain on the first day, sometimes accompanied by vomiting.
After I stopped consuming cold foods and drinks, there was some improvement.
Now, as long as I can lie down all day on the first day of my period, I mostly only experience persistent dull pain with occasional sharp pains, which is bearable.
However, if I happen to be constipated, the pain during bowel movements is exceptionally severe, causing cold sweats, visual disturbances, and even nausea to the point where I cannot stand.
Pain relief medications are ineffective unless I manage to have a bowel movement and then rest in bed for a while afterward (Note: This only occurs on the first day of my period; even if I remain constipated afterward, it does not affect me).
I have sought medical attention for this issue and underwent an ultrasound.
The doctor indicated that I have a mild retroverted uterus, which may be causing pain due to menstrual blood reflux into the abdominal cavity.
I was advised to avoid foods like sesame oil chicken that are considered "heaty," but I did not notice significant improvement after trying this.
Recently, I have noticed that the dull pain is always in the lower abdomen, while the severe pain tends to be on the lower left side.
I asked other friends who also experience menstrual pain, and it seems that no one else feels pain in this manner, which confuses me.
Is the pain on the left side normal? What is the connection between constipation and menstrual pain? Are there any other ways to improve this condition besides avoiding "heaty" foods?

PEI, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/01/20

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the symptoms of dysmenorrhea can include not only cramping pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation but also nausea, vomiting, headaches, anxiety, fatigue, diarrhea, dizziness, bloating, breast tenderness, mood swings, back pain, and fainting.
Each individual's symptoms can vary, and treatment methods and their effectiveness can differ as well.
In addition to medication, various approaches can be tried, such as ensuring adequate sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in appropriate stretching exercises.
Reducing smoking and limiting caffeine intake may also be beneficial, as studies have indicated that smoking and caffeine consumption can increase the incidence of dysmenorrhea.
Additionally, applying heat, consuming chocolate or sweets, and taking advantage of menstrual leave for rest are also options worth considering.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2024/01/20

More Info

Menstrual pain, also known as dysmenorrhea, is a common condition that affects many women during their menstrual cycle. It can manifest as severe cramping in the lower abdomen, often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and even diarrhea. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and relief strategies for menstrual pain is crucial for managing this condition effectively.

Causes of Menstrual Pain
Menstrual pain is primarily caused by the contraction of the uterus as it sheds its lining during menstruation. This process is mediated by prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that promote inflammation and pain. Higher levels of prostaglandins are associated with more severe menstrual cramps. Other potential causes of menstrual pain include:
1. Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, leading to significant pain.

2. Uterine Fibroids: Non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause heavy bleeding and pain.

3. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection of the reproductive organs that can lead to chronic pain.

4. Cervical Stenosis: A condition where the cervix is narrower than normal, which can impede menstrual flow and cause pain.

Symptoms of Menstrual Pain
The symptoms of menstrual pain can vary widely among individuals. Common symptoms include:
- Cramping in the lower abdomen, which may radiate to the lower back and thighs.

- Nausea and vomiting.

- Diarrhea or loose stools.

- Headaches.

- Fatigue.

In your case, the severe pain you experience on the first day of your period, especially when combined with constipation, is noteworthy. The relationship between constipation and menstrual pain can be attributed to the proximity of the intestines to the uterus. When the uterus contracts, it can also affect the intestines, leading to increased discomfort during bowel movements.

Relief Strategies
There are several strategies you can employ to alleviate menstrual pain:
1. Heat Therapy: Applying a heating pad or hot water bottle to the lower abdomen can help relax the muscles and reduce cramping.

2. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can be effective in reducing pain and inflammation. However, it seems you have experienced limited relief from pain medications, which may require further evaluation by a healthcare provider.

3. Dietary Adjustments: Since you mentioned that avoiding cold foods and certain "heaty" foods has helped, consider maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Staying hydrated and incorporating fiber can also help alleviate constipation, which seems to exacerbate your pain.

4. Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity can help reduce menstrual pain and improve overall well-being. Gentle exercises like yoga or stretching can be particularly beneficial.

5. Alternative Therapies: Acupuncture and herbal remedies have been reported to help some women manage menstrual pain. However, it’s essential to consult with a qualified practitioner.

6. Consultation with a Specialist: Given the severity of your symptoms, especially the left-sided pain and its correlation with bowel movements, it may be beneficial to consult a gynecologist or a specialist in reproductive health. They can perform further evaluations, such as imaging studies, to rule out conditions like endometriosis or fibroids.

Conclusion
Menstrual pain can be a debilitating condition, but understanding its causes and exploring various relief strategies can significantly improve your quality of life. Since you have already undergone an ultrasound and received some dietary recommendations, it may be worthwhile to continue monitoring your symptoms and seek further medical advice if the pain persists or worsens. Remember, you are not alone in this experience, and there are effective treatments available to help manage your menstrual pain.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Menstrual Pain: Causes and Factors Behind Discomfort

Why does menstruation cause pain? What components in the menstrual discharge contribute to the pain experienced by some women?

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, here is the response to your inquiry: I. Introduction: Dysmenorrhea, in addition to cramping pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation, may be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, anxiety, fatigue, diarrhea, dizziness, bloating, breast tenderne...

Effective Strategies to Manage Menstrual Pain and Discomfort

Hello Dr. Peng: I experience severe pain every time I have my period and need to take painkillers to manage it. However, once the medication wears off, the pain returns and can last all day. Sometimes, the pain is so intense at night that it wakes me up. Heat therapy provides onl...

Dr. Peng Yiguo reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dysmenorrhea is a common gynecological condition and a leading cause of absenteeism or sick leave among young individuals. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, fatigue, mood changes, and back pain. These symptoms typically occur 24-48 hours bef...

Effective Strategies to Alleviate Severe Menstrual Pain

Doctor: Hello! I experience severe pain every time my menstrual period arrives, and the first two days are particularly heavy. It gradually decreases, but it takes almost two weeks to completely end. I'm not sure if this is normal. What can I do about dysmenorrhea? Are there...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello! During menstruation, in addition to menstrual bleeding, some individuals may experience additional symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, headaches, and lower back pain. Therefore, these can be considered common issues. It is advisable to consult a gynecologist for a g...

Understanding Severe Menstrual Pain: Causes and Relief Strategies

Hello, doctor! In the past few months, I've been experiencing severe pain on the first day of my menstrual period, to the point where I feel cold all over, break out in cold sweats, and feel completely weak, ultimately having to lie in bed and sleep, unable to do anything. I...

Dr. Li Guanghan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
You must first go to the hospital to check for any pathological causes. If there are no pathological causes, you must adhere to the following guidelines: 1. Avoid cold foods one week before and after your menstrual period to maintain body temperature and prevent blood clots from ...