What should I do if my girlfriend has a stomachache during her period?

Women's abdominal pain during menstruation can be relieved by applying hot compresses to the abdomen, drinking ginger syrup, exercising moderately, taking painkillers, and seeking medical examination. Dysmenorrhea is usually caused by excessive secretion of prostaglandins, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, adenomyosis, mental stress and other factors.

1. Apply heat to the abdomen

Place a hot water bottle or baby warmer on the lower abdomen and control the temperature at 40-50 degrees Celsius for 15-30 minutes each time. Hot compress can promote pelvic blood circulation and relieve uterine smooth muscle spasm. Be careful to avoid scalding the skin, and those with heavy menstrual bleeding should reduce the time of hot compresses. Parents can help prepare warm items with appropriate temperatures.

2. Drink ginger syrup

Boil 3-5 slices of fresh ginger with 20 grams of brown sugar and drink it, 2-3 times a day. Gingerol can inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, and brown sugar can supplement energy. Avoid drinking on an empty stomach, and patients with diabetes should reduce the dosage. Parents can prepare thermos cups for their children to carry with them.

3. Moderate exercise

On the 2nd and 3rd days of your menstrual period, you can engage in low-intensity exercise such as walking and yoga, each session lasting no more than 30 minutes. Exercise promotes the secretion of endorphins and reduces pain perception. Avoid abdominal compression exercises such as jumping and crunches. Parents should accompany their children to exercise and control the intensity.

4. Take painkillers

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, acetaminophen tablets, and naproxen sodium tablets can be used as directed by your doctor. These drugs reduce prostaglandin production by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase. It needs to be taken after meals and should be used continuously for no more than 3 days. Parents need to supervise their children's medication time and dosage.

5. Medical examination

If the pain is accompanied by abnormal menstrual flow, fever, or infertility, gynecological ultrasound, CA125 testing and other examinations are required. Endometriosis may cause progressive dysmenorrhea and pelvic mass, and pelvic inflammatory disease is often accompanied by abnormal discharge. Parents who discover abnormal symptoms in their children should promptly make an appointment with a specialist.

During menstruation, you should pay attention to keeping your abdomen warm and avoid cold and raw foods and strenuous exercise. Ensure 7-8 hours of sleep every day and wear loose clothing to reduce compression. Record the menstrual cycle and pain changes. If the pain affects daily life or non-menstrual abdominal pain occurs, it is recommended to go to the gynecologist for a detailed examination in time. People with long-term dysmenorrhea can use medical solutions such as short-acting contraceptive pills to regulate their menstrual cycles, but they need to be used under the guidance of a doctor.