What causes pain around the navel during menstruation?
Mar 25, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Qiong
Introduction
In general, abdominal pain around the navel during menstruation is most commonly caused by dysmenorrhea. It may also be associated with exposure to cold, consumption of excessive cold or raw foods, and drinking cold water. Therefore, patients are advised to first establish healthy dietary and lifestyle habits.
If a woman experiences pain around the navel during her menstrual period, this indicates an underlying health issue. Since numerous factors can cause such pain, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation to accurately identify the root cause. In some women, the pain may stem from dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), while in others, it may result from gynecological inflammation. So, what should one do if experiencing periumbilical pain during menstruation?
What Causes Periumbilical Pain During Menstruation?
Generally, periumbilical pain occurring during menstruation is most commonly attributable to dysmenorrhea. Additional contributing factors may include exposure to cold temperatures or cold drafts, consumption of excessive cold or raw foods, and drinking cold water.
Therefore, patients are advised to adopt healthy dietary and lifestyle habits—avoiding spicy, stimulating, greasy, and fried foods, as well as raw, cold, or hard foods. It is also essential to maintain warmth and prevent cold exposure, ensure adequate rest, and avoid strenuous physical activity. Complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage, and warm compresses—under the guidance of traditional Chinese medicine—may help alleviate pain.
Gastric pain is relatively common; however, early appendicitis cannot be ruled out. Medical evaluation is recommended. If necessary, a complete blood count (CBC) should be performed to assess for leukocytosis. If white blood cell counts are normal, gastric pain is more likely, and over-the-counter antacids or gastric medications may be tried with close observation. Alternatively, the pain could arise from gastrointestinal functional disorders. Patients should pay attention to diet, apply abdominal heat therapy, and consider undergoing abdominal color Doppler ultrasound to evaluate for conditions such as mesenteric lymphadenitis.
Numerous conditions may underlie these symptoms—including intestinal spasm, cold exposure, parasitic infection, or biliary tract disease. Recommended interventions include oral administration of belladonna tablets and berberine, application of Shixiang Nuanchi Ointment (a traditional herbal patch), and appropriate calcium supplementation.
We hope the above information is helpful. Wishing you good health and happiness!
