What causes abdominal pain before menstruation when all six sex hormone levels are normal, and what should be done?
Jun 01, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
Abdominal pain before menstruation, with normal results in the six-item sex hormone test, may be caused by factors such as abdominal exposure to cold, frequent sexual activity, or pelvic inflammatory disease, and treatment should be tailored accordingly based on the specific situation. The six-item sex hormone test evaluates the presence of endocrine-related disorders by measuring hormones including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, and testosterone. Normal results in this test indicate that the individual's endocrine system is relatively stable.
Abdominal pain before menstruation, with normal results in the six-item sex hormone test, may be caused by factors such as abdominal chilling, frequent sexual activity, or pelvic inflammatory disease. Appropriate treatment should be based on specific circumstances. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Abdominal Chilling
The six-item sex hormone test evaluates potential endocrine-related disorders by measuring hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, and testosterone. Normal results indicate that the individual's endocrine system is relatively stable and there are no reproductive endocrine diseases present. However, if the abdomen becomes chilled or exposed to cold before menstruation, it may impair local blood circulation and cause muscle spasms, leading to abdominal pain prior to menstruation despite normal hormone levels. This condition is usually temporary and often resolves spontaneously.
2. Frequent Sexual Activity
If an individual has recently engaged in frequent sexual intercourse, repeated congestion in the genital area may occur, potentially causing local soft tissue injury and resulting in this symptom. It is recommended to clean the genital area thoroughly with water after sexual activity to prevent irritation from residual secretions.
3. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
If a patient has undergone procedures such as intrauterine device (IUD) removal, fallopian tube flushing, or hysteroscopy—where direct contact with the uterine cavity occurs—inappropriate technique may allow external bacteria to ascend into the reproductive tract, triggering an inflammatory response and leading to pelvic inflammatory disease. Inflammatory factors can stimulate surrounding nerve cells, causing the aforementioned symptoms. Additional symptoms may include fever and prolonged menstrual periods. Patients should follow medical advice and take medications such as metronidazole tablets or cefixime capsules as prescribed.
Besides the above, other possible causes include depression, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids. It is advisable to ensure adequate rest during the premenstrual phase and avoid consuming cold foods.
