What should I do if I am married and have children and have constant menstrual cramps?

Married women with children who have persistent menstrual cramps can be relieved by hot compresses, taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, adjusting diet, regular exercise and hormone therapy. Dysmenorrhea is often caused by prostaglandin excess, endometriosis, adenomyosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or psychological factors.

1. Hot compress

Hot compress on the lower abdomen can relax the uterine muscles, improve local blood circulation, and relieve spasmodic pain. You can use a hot water bottle or baby warmer, and control the temperature at 40-50 degrees Celsius for 20-30 minutes each time. This method is suitable for primary dysmenorrhea, especially for pain caused by cold during menstruation. Be careful to avoid scalding the skin. People with diabetes and sensory impairments should be careful.

2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Drugs such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, diclofenac sodium enteric-coated tablets or celecoxib capsules can inhibit prostaglandin synthesis and effectively reduce moderate to severe dysmenorrhea. It needs to be taken under the guidance of a doctor starting 1-2 days before menstruation and continuing for 2-3 days. It is contraindicated in patients with gastrointestinal ulcers. Long-term use may increase cardiovascular risks. If black stool or tinnitus occurs while taking the medicine, you should stop taking the medicine and seek medical treatment immediately.

3. Adjust your diet

Increase the intake of salmon and flax seeds rich in omega-3 fatty acids, supplement nuts and dark green vegetables with high magnesium content, and reduce the intake of caffeine and high-salt foods. These nutrients regulate prostaglandin metabolism and ease uterine smooth muscle contraction. It is recommended to drink ginger brown sugar water every day starting one week before menstruation. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that it has the effect of warming the meridians and dispersing cold. People who are lactose intolerant should avoid cold drinks during menstruation.

4. Regular exercise

Perform aerobic exercise such as brisk walking and swimming 3-5 times a week, and use Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Exercise promotes endorphin secretion and reduces pain sensitivity. During menstruation, you can choose yoga butterfly pose or baby pose to relax your pelvis. Avoid strenuous exercise that may lead to increased menstrual flow. Patients with uterine prolapse need to train under professional guidance.

5. Hormone treatment

For dysmenorrhea secondary to endometriosis, your doctor may recommend drospirenone and ethinylestradiol tablets, levonorgestrel intrauterine sustained-release system, or goserelin injection. These drugs reduce pain by inhibiting ovulation and endometrial growth. Breakthrough bleeding may occur during treatment, and it is contraindicated in people with a history of breast cancer and those at high risk of blood clots. Efficacy needs to be evaluated every 3-6 months.

Women with dysmenorrhea should record their menstrual cycles and changes in pain levels to avoid overwork and emotional stress. Wear loose clothing to reduce abdominal compression, and sleep on your side with your knees bent. If the pain is accompanied by a sudden increase in menstrual flow, painful intercourse or irregular bleeding, timely gynecological examination is required to rule out organic diseases. For long-term unrelieved dysmenorrhea, it is recommended to undergo pelvic ultrasound and CA125 testing, and laparoscopy if necessary. Keep the perineum clean, change underwear every day, and change sanitary napkins every 2-3 hours during menstruation to prevent infection.