월경전 소화불량을 동반한 월경통에 대한 한의 치료 증례 보고 1례 = KM for Dysmenorrhea with Premenstrual Dyspepsia: A case report

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Objectives: This case report describes a 37-year-old female with severe dysmenorrhea accompanied by premenstrual dyspepsia treated with Korean medicine(KM). This study aims to demonstrate the therapeutic effects of time-specific herbal administration and validate outcomes using objective tools, including digital infrared thermal imaging(DITI), ultrasound and body composition analysis.
Methods: A 37-year-old woman with long-standing dysmenorrhea and PMS-related dyspepsia, who was found to have uterine myoma on ultrasound, received Korean medicine treatment for 7 months. Herbal medicines were administered twice daily: Saengkangeonbi-tang at 10:00 AM to support digestive function and Modified Hyunburikyung-tang at 4:00 PM to alleviate lower abdominal congestion. Treatments also included acupuncture, near-infrared radiation, and wet cupping. Outcomes were evaluated using a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for symptoms, changes in medication use, DITI, body composition analysis, and uterine ultrasound.
Results: Dysmenorrhea improved from NRS 8-9 (up to 4 analgesics/day) to 0-1, allowing discontinuation of analgesics, while premenstrual dyspepsia and vomiting resolved, leading to cessation of digestive medication. Ultrasound showed reduced uterine myoma size and recovery of a previously distorted endometrial lining, and DITI indicated improvement of upper body heat and lower body cold patterns. Body composition improved, with increased skeletal muscle mass and decreased body fat percentage.
Conclusions: This case suggests that KM treatment may effectively alleviate dysmenorrhea accompanied by premenstrual functional dyspepsia. Despite the presence of uterine myomas, the pain pattern was more consistent with primary dysmenorrhea, and objective findings indicated potential benefits beyond symptomatic relief.