Countless women are acutely aware of the pain caused by menstrual cramps. To alleviate this suffering, a wide variety of medications are available on the market. Treatment should prioritize medications that inhibit prostaglandin synthase to address the root cause of the pain; the use of narcotic analgesics should be minimized or avoided to prevent drug resistance and dependence.
1. Birth control pills also have analgesic effects.
For women with irregular periods, taking birth control pills may be a good option. Birth control pills suppress ovulation, thus inhibiting the series of physiological effects that accompany ovulation, resulting in reduced menstrual flow and less pain. Doctors believe that taking birth control pills is actually one of the most effective ways to suppress menstrual cramps.
2. External suppositories for pain relief
In the United States, statistics show that over 85% of women with dysmenorrhea use topical medications for treatment. This is because these medications are absorbed rapidly and safely, avoiding irritation to the gastrointestinal system and reducing the damage to the heart, liver, kidneys, and hematopoietic system caused by oral medications. It is a widely accepted, scientific, and convenient method of medication administration among Western women.
3. Sufficient calcium also relieves pain.
Another simple preventative measure is to ensure adequate calcium intake. Taking approximately 1200 mg of calcium daily is equivalent to drinking four large glasses of milk. Medical research has found that sufficient calcium in the body helps alleviate premenstrual syndrome and menstrual cramps.
4. Taking painkillers before menstruation
Many people may not know that the most effective way to relieve menstrual cramps is to take painkillers before they occur. Women should take one painkiller before their period and then continue taking it for several days according to the instructions on the packaging until the cramps completely disappear, but it is not advisable to take it frequently.
5. Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment for Dysmenorrhea
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) believes that "pain arises from obstruction." The fundamental pathological mechanism of dysmenorrhea is "obstruction of qi and blood." Cold, dampness, and heat stagnate the flow of qi and blood, leading to blockages; deficiency of qi and blood fails to nourish the meridians, further obstructing their flow. Therefore, TCM treatment for dysmenorrhea focuses on "unobstructed flow"—where there is free flow, there is no pain. The pure TCM preparation "Dysmenorrhea Pills," highly recommended by women with dysmenorrhea, contains no hormones, has no side effects, and has significant efficacy in treating both primary and secondary dysmenorrhea.
Gynecologists recommend prioritizing medications that inhibit prostaglandin synthesis enzymes to treat dysmenorrhea at its root. They also advise minimizing or avoiding the use of narcotic analgesics to prevent drug resistance and dependence. Furthermore, given the fast pace of modern life and work, medication selection should consider factors such as low dosage, minimal side effects, rapid absorption, and quick onset of action.
Expert: Hu Hongxia
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