Dysmenorrhea is a common gynecological condition, often seen in unmarried or nulliparous women. In recent years, there has been an increasing number of cases of dysmenorrhea associated with endometriosis or adenomyosis. Painful menstruation is often the main symptom. In the past few years, my father and I have often discussed the treatment of dysmenorrhea. Drawing from his lifetime clinical experience, my father has summarized the premenstrual and postmenstrual treatment methods for dysmenorrhea, which are recorded below.
Pre-menstrual treatment: Avoid excessive use of tonifying methods before menstruation. Menstruation is a normal physiological phenomenon. When the kidney qi is abundant, the heavenly secretions arrive, the Ren and Chong meridians are unobstructed, and the blood sea is full, the menstrual blood will arrive on time. With the harmonious interaction of qi and blood, the meridians will be unobstructed, and the menstruation will occur smoothly without pain. If the qi and blood are imbalanced, qi stagnation and blood stasis can occur, leading to dysmenorrhea. Therefore, in the treatment of this condition, it is advisable to use methods that regulate qi, promote blood circulation, and regulate menstruation before and during menstruation, in order to guide the flow of menstruation smoothly. It is not advisable to use tonifying drugs excessively, as tonifying drugs are often greasy and stagnant in nature, which can hinder the circulation of qi and blood, leading to poor menstrual flow and abdominal pain. In addition, two points should be considered when using medication before menstruation. Firstly, observe whether pregnancy has occurred. For women who are capable of reproduction and have not had their menstruation for a few days before or after the expected date, it is important to consider whether pregnancy has occurred. Before a definitive diagnosis is made, it is important not to use blood-activating and menstruation-promoting drugs indiscriminately. Observation can be done first, and if medication is necessary, products that are safe for both menstruation and pregnancy can be used. Secondly, for patients with a history of excessive menstrual flow, blood-activating and menstruation-promoting drugs should not be used excessively. The condition of menstrual flow should be observed to determine the appropriate treatment based on syndrome differentiation.
Post-menstrual treatment: Avoid excessive attacking methods after menstruation, and focus on nourishing the kidneys and spleen. Regulate qi and blood. In women, blood is the main component of menstruation. After menstruation, there is often blood deficiency and relatively insufficient qi, especially in cases of excessive menstrual flow. Therefore, when using medication after menstruation, the main focus should be on nourishing the liver and kidneys, harmonizing the spleen and stomach, and replenishing qi and blood. It is important not to use drugs that disperse qi and damage blood, as this may weaken the body's resistance and lead to illness.
