Can mangoes relieve menstrual cramps?
Oct 14, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
Diet cannot relieve dysmenorrhea. Dysmenorrhea is usually primary and mainly associated with increased prostaglandin levels in the endometrium during menstruation. It may also be caused by other conditions such as endometriosis or adenomyosis. Relief can be achieved through physical therapy, medication, or surgery. It is recommended to keep warm and avoid strenuous exercise during menstruation and around the menstrual period.
Mangoes generally do not relieve dysmenorrhea, as food does not have therapeutic effects. Dysmenorrhea is usually primary and mainly associated with increased prostaglandin levels in the endometrium during menstruation. It may also be caused by other conditions such as endometriosis or adenomyosis. Details are as follows.
1. Non-disease factors
Primary dysmenorrhea accounts for over 90% of all cases of dysmenorrhea and is a normal physiological change related to hormonal fluctuations. Applying heat to the lower abdomen using a hot water bag can effectively alleviate menstrual pain. Be careful not to place the hot water bag directly on the skin to avoid excessive temperature. Avoid consuming cold or raw foods, and refrain from drinking strong tea, coffee, or alcoholic beverages. Some patients with dysmenorrhea may take oral analgesics such as ibuprofen or ketoprofen to effectively relieve pain.
2. Disease-related factors
1) Endometriosis
This condition occurs when endometrial tissue grows outside the uterine cavity. It still responds to estrogen and progesterone, undergoing cyclic growth, shedding, and bleeding, leading to secondary dysmenorrhea. Symptoms include chronic pelvic pain,明显 menstrual pain, fertility concerns, and absence of ovarian cyst formation. Commonly used medications include oral contraceptives (such as ethinylestradiol combination preparations) and progestins (such as medroxyprogesterone). If symptoms persist despite medication, local lesions worsen, or fertility function fails to recover, surgical treatment may be required.
2) Adenomyosis
In this condition, endometrial tissue invades the uterine muscle wall, where it continues to undergo cyclic proliferation, shedding, and bleeding, causing secondary dysmenorrhea. Currently, there is no curative drug available. Patients with mild symptoms, fertility desires, or those approaching menopause may try treatments such as danazol, gestrinone, or a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system. Young patients or those wishing to preserve fertility may consider excision of the lesion.
It is recommended to stay warm during menstruation and around the menstrual period, and to avoid strenuous exercise. Maintain good personal genital hygiene, keep a positive mindset, learn to manage negative emotions, and engage in appropriate physical activity to strengthen overall health.
