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The topic of dysmenorrhea is believed to be deeply experienced by many female friends. There are always a few days a month, backache, abdominal pain, inconvenience, and sometimes even pain to the point that the brain is blank, seriously affecting work and life.
Faced with this situation, many people will choose to take painkillers to relieve their symptoms. However, there may be many doubts about whether taking painkillers will have side effects.
This doubt is not surprising, after all, the use of drugs is always accompanied by certain risks. But in fact, scientific and rational use of painkillers can be safe and effective in relieving menstrual cramps.
This article will discuss in detail the types of dysmenorrhea, the mechanism of action of painkillers, and the effects of painkillers from a professional perspective to help you better understand and cope with dysmenorrhea.
Types and symptoms of menstrual cramps
We need to understand what dysmenorrhea is, and the main types of menstrual cramps. Menstrual cramps are pain, swelling in the lower abdomen, accompanied by backache or other discomfort that occurs around or during menstruation. This pain can range from mild to just a little uncomfortable or severe enough to interfere with daily activities.
Dysmenorrhea is divided into two categories: primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea usually occurs within a few years of menarche and is caused by spasms of the smooth muscle of the uterus caused by prostaglandins produced by the endometrium.
To put it simply, the uterus is "having a temper tantrum", but there are no organic lesions. Secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by pelvic organic diseases, such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, etc. This condition often requires further medical intervention.
Knowing the types and symptoms of menstrual cramps allows us to better target relief options. So, what exactly do painkillers play in this?
Use and effectiveness of painkillers
The role of painkillers in relieving menstrual cramps is significant. Antipyretic analgesics, such as ibuprofen, relieve pain by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins to reduce spasms of the smooth muscles of the uterus. Put simply, these drugs make the uterus "quiet" and stop contracting violently, thus reducing pain.
Common antipyretic analgesics include ibuprofen, acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol), and others. Their use is also simple: when you feel the onset of menstrual cramps, taking one or two tablets according to the instructions or your doctor's advice can effectively relieve the pain. Of course, the specific dosage and frequency of medication should be determined according to the specific situation of the individual, and it is recommended to consult a doctor before use.
Studies have shown that more than 80% of patients with dysmenorrhea experience significant relief in pain symptoms after using antipyretic analgesics. This shows that for most people, painkillers are an effective way to relieve menstrual cramps.
Safety and side effects of painkillers
Regarding the safety and side effects of painkillers, many female friends are worried about whether long-term use of painkillers will cause harm to the body.
In fact, common pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen are relatively safe medications that do not contain hormones, do not affect the endocrine system or uterine health, and do not cause infertility.
However, medication does require caution. Long-term, high-dose use of painkillers may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to stomach pain, stomach ulcers, and other problems.
Especially for those women who have gastrointestinal diseases, they need to use drugs rationally under the guidance of doctors and choose drugs that are less irritating to the gastrointestinal tract.
In addition to gastrointestinal problems, excessive use of painkillers may also lead to an increase in the burden on the liver and kidneys, so you must follow the doctor's instructions when taking medication, and do not increase the dosage at will.
In addition, people with different constitutions react differently to medications. Some people may be sensitive to a certain painkiller and experience an allergic reaction or other uncomfortable symptoms. If you notice an abnormal reaction after taking the drug, you should stop the drug immediately and consult your doctor to change another medication if necessary.
Alternative Therapies and Integrative Therapies
In addition to the use of painkillers, women can also relieve pain during menstrual cramps by adjusting their lifestyle habits and adopting some alternative therapies.
In terms of diet, choosing light and easy-to-digest foods, such as rice porridge and steamed vegetables, can reduce the burden on the stomach and intestines and avoid the irritation of spicy, raw and cold foods to the stomach. At the same time, eating more iron-rich foods, such as spinach and red meat, can help prevent menstrual anemia.
Warm compresses are another effective way to relieve menstrual cramps. Applying a hot water bottle to the lower abdomen can promote blood circulation, relax the uterine muscles, and reduce pain.
Moderate exercise can also help relieve menstrual cramps, such as yoga and walking, which can strengthen the body, regulate the endocrine system, and help the body better cope with the discomfort caused by menstruation.
TCM conditioning is also a highly regarded method for relieving menstrual cramps. Traditional Chinese medicine methods such as acupuncture, massage, and cupping can effectively relieve menstrual cramps by regulating the meridians and improving qi and blood circulation. In addition, some Chinese herbs such as safflower and motherwort are also used to relieve menstrual cramps, but they should be used according to doctor's advice to avoid misuse.
Through comprehensive conditioning, we can make those few days of each month no longer a torment, but can be easily passed. Hopefully, these suggestions can help more women find a suitable way to relieve menstrual cramps and have a healthier and more comfortable life.
Finally, what experiences and insights would you like to share? Feel free to leave a message in the comment area!