Most young women have experienced menstrual cramps, but many don't pay attention to them, thinking they can just endure it. Professor Zhao Ying, a renowned pain specialist and director of the Pain Treatment Center at Beijing Hospital of the Ministry of Health, points out that there are different types of menstrual cramps. If no cause for the menstrual cramps can be found, it is likely to be primary dysmenorrhea, which cannot be completely cured.
Statistics show that primary dysmenorrhea is the most common type of dysmenorrhea among young women, with about 20%-25% requiring pain medication. Zhao Ying explains that primary dysmenorrhea is simply a physiological phenomenon and cannot be cured. Painkillers can be taken when the pain becomes unbearable.
Many people worry about developing a dependency on medication, so they try to endure the pain even during the two days when menstrual cramps are at their worst. Zhao Ying clearly points out that this is a misconception. Taking painkillers like ibuprofen does not cause dependency; the medication only helps reduce pain and alleviate its impact on work and daily life.
Zhao Ying stated that by paying more attention to certain aspects of daily life, women may be able to alleviate or even avoid menstrual cramps:
Eat a balanced diet, avoid overly sweet or salty junk food, eat more vegetables, fruits, chicken and fish, eat less cold drinks and spicy food, and try to eat smaller meals more frequently.
Supplementing with minerals, especially potassium and magnesium, can also help relieve menstrual cramps. Consider increasing your calcium and magnesium intake before and during your period.
Keeping warm will accelerate blood circulation.
Zhao Ying believes that even if menstrual cramps occur, there are still some ways to deal with them.
Active treatment is necessary for primary dysmenorrhea, which requires medication. It is best to take medication as soon as you feel pain for better pain relief. However, painkillers should not be used blindly. If the condition is severe, it is best to go to the hospital for a clear diagnosis to avoid masking symptoms and delaying treatment.
Learn more about hygiene, eliminate fear and anxiety about menstrual cramps, maintain a relaxed and happy mood, and participate in more leisure activities to relieve work and life stress.
