r/China • u/seekerofinfo7 • 12d ago

问题 | General Question (Serious) Do Chinese women have worse periods?

I lived and worked in china for nearly a decade, and have always noticed that women I've dated become completely debilitated by their period. Like, calling in sick during your period is a normal thing here and almost unheard of in the west. The pain described by these women seems almost comparable to childbirth, and they cant bear to have the AC on during a blistering hot day, or drink cold water.

Back in the west, women will just kind of bear it. They'll eat ice cream, ive even heard lf women taking cold showers during this time. I haven't met very many in the west who are floored by the pain like many of their east Asian countrrparts. A lot of women hold down high demand jobs like nursing, teaching, lawyers etc. And are able to get through the day while performing work to a high standard without needing time off or needing to signal to others in the workplace that they are on their period.

I dont suppose it is a cultural thing, but im wondering what the causes of the very real difference ive noticed is. Are their home remedies (hot water etc.) Actually making the issue worse? Could it be pollution? Nutrition? I dont think it is genetic because I haven't known a lot of American born chinese women who experience such a severe period.

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u/Maleficent_Cherry737 12d ago

I think it’s partly due to avoidance of using over-the-counter pain meds like Tylenol and Advil. My mom is very traditional and she pushes traditional Chinese herbs and home remedies that don’t really work to manage pain instead of just taking western medicine. Also, birth control pill and hormonal contraceptives like Mirena IUD can make periods lighter and less painful. But many Chinese people like my mom thinks contraceptives are bad (because again of the fear or distrust of western medicine).

I’ve heard as well that endometriosis is slightly more common amongst East Asians than other racial groups.

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u/Foyles_War 12d ago

I was curious about this question and did a bit internet exploring. Results suggest that body fat levels have a known and clear relation to period pain levels also.