What should I do about dysmenorrhea?

Dysmenorrhea, medically termed as painful menstruation or menstrual pain, refers to abdominal pain experienced by women during their menstrual cycle. It is sometimes accompanied by symptoms such as back pain, nausea, and diarrhea. Dysmenorrhea is categorized into two main types: primary and secondary. Primary dysmenorrhea commonly occurs in adolescent females and is typically associated with elevated levels of prostaglandins in the endometrium. Secondary dysmenorrhea, however, may be caused by conditions such as uterine fibroids or endometriosis. To manage dysmenorrhea, the following approaches can be considered:

1. Alleviate emotional stress: Maintain a positive and optimistic mindset and avoid significant emotional fluctuations. Negative emotions can be relieved through meditation, deep breathing, listening to music, or talking to friends and family to improve mood.

2. Keep warm: Pay attention to staying warm, especially in the abdominal area. Cover the lower abdomen with a blanket, or wear thicker pants, socks, and shoes to prevent getting chilled.

3. Apply heat: Place a hot water bottle or a warm towel on the abdomen, which can help relax tense muscles and reduce pain.