Irregular Menstruation
AliasMenstrual Disorder
Traditional Chinese Medicine Definition
In traditional Chinese medicine, irregular menstruation is referred to as "menstrual disorder," which denotes a pathological condition where women experience abnormal changes in the menstrual cycle, including the regularity, duration, amount, and color of menstrual flow. According to the "Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine," irregular menstruation can manifest as early menstruation, delayed menstruation, irregular menstrual cycles, excessive menstrual bleeding, scanty menstrual bleeding, prolonged menstrual periods, and intermenstrual bleeding, among others. It is one of the common gynecological disorders.
In clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine, the core pathogenesis of irregular menstruation is often associated with deficiencies in the liver and kidney, as well as disharmony of Qi and blood. Common precipitating factors include emotional disturbances, irregular diet, and imbalance in work and rest. During the differential diagnosis, attention should be paid to distinguishing between cold and heat, deficiency and excess, such as blood heat manifesting as early menstruation with excessive flow, bright red color, and thick consistency, accompanied by irritability and thirst; blood deficiency presenting as delayed menstruation, scanty flow, pale color, dizziness, palpitations, and sallow complexion; Qi deficiency showing early menstruation, excessive flow, pale color, fatigue, shortness of breath, and lack of speech; and Qi stagnation presenting as irregular menstrual cycles, fullness in the chest and hypochondria, and unsmooth menstrual flow. The overall approach to treatment suggests adhering to the principle of differential diagnosis and treatment, adopting corresponding therapeutic methods based on different patterns, such as tonifying Qi and controlling bleeding, nourishing blood and Qi, clearing heat and cooling blood, and soothing the liver and regulating Qi, in order to harmonize Qi and blood and adjust the menstrual cycle.
Common Syndrome Types and Key Points of Differentiation
Deficiency of Qi syndrome
Main Manifestations: Menstruation occurs earlier than usual, with heavy flow and pale color, fatigue, lack of energy, shortness of breath, and reluctance to speak
Management Approach: Tonify Qi and Stop Bleeding, Fortify the Uterus and Regulate Menstruation
Deficiency of blood syndrome
Main Manifestations: Menstruation occurs later than usual, with light flow and pale color, dizziness, palpitations, and a sallow complexion
Management Approach: Nourish blood and tonify Qi, regulate and replenish menstrual blood
Blood Heat Syndrome
Main Manifestations: Menstruation starts early with heavy flow, bright red color, thick texture, irritability, and thirst
Management Approach: Clear heat and cool blood, reinforce the pulse and regulate menstruation
Qi Stagnation Syndrome
Main Manifestations: Irregular menstrual periods, chest and hypochondrium distension, unsmooth menstrual flow
Management Approach: Relieve liver Qi and regulate Qi, harmonize blood and regulate the menstrual cycle
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
The adjustment of menstruation for patients with irregular menstruation should be tailored to individual constitution, with a focus on maintaining the balance of Yin and Yang.
— Fan Li Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Practitioner Assistant Physician
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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)