Symptoms Before and After Perimenopause
AliasMenopausal syndrome
Traditional Chinese Medicine Definition
Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Syndrome, also known as "Syndromes Before and After Menopause" in traditional Chinese medicine, refers to a series of symptoms caused by the decline of kidney Qi, imbalance of Yin and Yang, and dysfunction of the internal organs in women around the time of menopause. The classic text "Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine" records: "When a woman reaches the age of 49, her Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) becomes weak, the Tai Chong (Governing Vessel) diminishes, Tian Gui (the menstrual essence) ceases, and the Earth Channel is blocked, leading to physical decay and the inability to bear children." During this stage, women often experience symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, insomnia, and irregular menstruation.
The core pathogenesis of perimenopausal and postmenopausal syndrome is the deficiency of both kidney Yin and Yang, leading to dysfunction of the internal organs. Common precipitating factors in clinical practice include aging, life stress, and emotional fluctuations. During the differential diagnosis, attention should be paid to distinguishing between cold and heat, as well as deficiency and excess, such as kidney Yin deficiency manifesting as hot flashes and night sweats on the head and face, restlessness, dry mouth, and constipation; while kidney Yang deficiency manifests as sallow complexion, listlessness, and cold extremities. The overall direction of treatment suggests focusing on nourishing the kidney and Yin, or warming the kidney and invigorating Yang, to restore the balance of Yin and Yang and the function of the internal organs. In clinical practice, the treatment of this syndrome should adhere to the principle of differential diagnosis and treatment, selecting appropriate treatment methods based on specific patterns.
Common Syndrome Types and Key Points of Differentiation
Kidney Yin Deficiency Syndrome
Main Manifestations: Hot sensation and sweating on the head and face, restlessness and heat in the five centers, dry mouth and constipation
Management Approach: Nourish kidney and yin, nourish yin and subdue yang
Kidney Yang Deficiency Syndrome
Main Manifestations: Pale complexion, listlessness, feeling cold in the limbs and body
Management Approach: Warming kidney and reinforcing yang, filling essence and nourishing blood
The above syndrome information is based on traditional Chinese medicine textbooks and clinical standards. Specific differentiation should be completed by a practicing traditional Chinese medicine physician in person.
Physician's Clinical Insights
Patients with perimenopausal and postmenopausal syndrome often experience significant emotional fluctuations. During treatment, it is important to pay attention to soothing the liver and resolving depression, and harmonizing Yin and Yang.
— Wang Zhengxiang Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner
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This page is for the popular science of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Specific diagnosis should be completed by a licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in person.
This article has been reviewed by licensed TCM physicians at Hangzhou Kezhentang TCM Clinic. It is for TCM popular science reference only and does not involve specific treatment plan recommendations.
References: Internal Medicine of TCM (13th Five-Year Plan Textbook), Diagnostic and Therapeutic Effectiveness Standards for TCM Diseases and Syndromes (ZY/T001.1-94), Classification and Codes of TCM Diseases and Syndromes (GB/T 15657-2021)