What causes pink menstrual blood and lower abdominal pain, and what should be done about it?

Nov 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
Pink menstrual blood accompanied by lower abdominal pain may be caused by cold exposure, emotional fluctuations, dysmenorrhea, endometritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, etc. Symptoms can be improved through keeping warm, pain relief, emotional regulation, and medication. If the pain is severe or bleeding is abnormal, prompt medical attention is necessary. Abdominal coldness during menstruation or consuming raw and cold foods can lead to poor discharge of menstrual blood.

Pink menstrual blood accompanied by lower abdominal pain may be caused by cold exposure, emotional fluctuations, dysmenorrhea, endometritis, or pelvic inflammatory disease. Symptoms can be improved through warmth and pain relief, emotional regulation, and medication. Seek prompt medical attention if the pain is severe or bleeding is abnormal.

1. Cold Exposure: Abdominal chilling or consuming raw/cold foods during menstruation can obstruct smooth menstrual flow, resulting in pink-colored blood and cold-like lower abdominal pain. It is recommended to apply a warm compress to the abdomen, drink warm brown sugar water, and avoid raw/cold foods and cold environments.

2. Emotional Fluctuations: Anxiety and high stress levels during menstruation can disrupt hormone secretion, leading to abnormal menstrual discharge appearing pink; emotional stress may also trigger uterine contractions causing lower abdominal pain. Practice deep breathing, listen to soothing music, and maintain emotional stability to alleviate symptoms.

3. Dysmenorrhea: Excessive prostaglandin secretion causes spasms in the uterine smooth muscle, obstructing menstrual flow and resulting in pinkish blood along with intermittent cramping pain in the lower abdomen. Patients may take medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, naproxen tablets, or Tongjing Bao granules under medical guidance to relieve symptoms.

4. Endometritis: Bacterial infection causes inflammation of the endometrium, leading to congestion that interferes with normal menstrual flow. This results in pink menstrual blood, persistent dull lower abdominal pain, and increased vaginal discharge. Under medical supervision, medications such as cefixime dispersible tablets, metronidazole tablets, or Gynecological Qianjin tablets may be used to relieve discomfort.

5. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Infection-induced pelvic congestion and edema disrupt normal menstrual outflow, causing pink menstrual blood, a sensation of heaviness and pain in the lower abdomen, and lower back ache. Patients may follow medical advice to take medications such as levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules, cefuroxime axetil tablets, or Fuyankang tablets to improve symptoms.

Maintain good genital hygiene and change sanitary pads frequently. Eat mild, warm foods and avoid spicy or irritating foods. Get adequate rest and avoid overexertion. Keep emotions balanced to support recovery and reduce discomfort.