My lower abdomen hurts whenever I move during my period.
Menstruation, commonly referred to as having a period, is often accompanied by lower abdominal (also called lower belly) pain. Pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation may be caused by factors such as intense physical activity, primary dysmenorrhea, or secondary dysmenorrhea. Symptoms can be improved through general management, medication, and other treatments. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Intense Physical Activity
During menstruation, the body is relatively weak. Engaging in vigorous exercise may lead to severe uterine contractions, resulting in lower abdominal pain. It is recommended that patients avoid strenuous physical activity during their period and ensure adequate rest.
2. Primary Dysmenorrhea
This refers to menstrual pain occurring without any organic abnormalities in the reproductive organs, often related to genetic factors. It commonly causes symptoms such as lower abdominal pain and a feeling of heaviness during menstruation. If the pain is severe, patients may take medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, or Yuanhu Zhitong Pian (Corydalis Rhizome pain-relieving tablets) under medical guidance.
3. Secondary Dysmenorrhea
This type is commonly caused by pelvic organic diseases such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or uterine fibroids, leading to menstrual pain characterized by lower abdominal pain and pressure during periods. When necessary, patients may follow medical advice to take analgesic medications such as Wuji Baifeng Pills, ibuprofen capsules, or acetaminophen tablets.
Besides the above-mentioned causes, lower abdominal pain during menstruation could also result from conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease, cervicitis, or cold uterus ("gonghan"). Patients should seek appropriate treatment based on their specific condition under a doctor's guidance. For accurate diagnosis, individuals are advised to visit a hospital for a thorough examination.
