Menstrual Health: Exploring Evening Primrose Oil and Herbal Remedies

Evening Primrose Oil, Si Wu Decoction, Zhong Jiang Decoction

Hello, Doctor: My menstrual cycle is regular every month (28 days), but it only lasts for three days each time, and the flow is not heavy (one pad on the first day, two pads on the second day, and one pad on the third day).
My mother mentioned that having a short duration and light flow indicates poor health.
Is this belief correct? Is my menstrual flow considered light? I also heard that avoiding cold foods can reduce menstrual pain.
I tried this from March to June this year by not consuming cold drinks or foods, and I noticed my period extended to four days with less pain.
However, during the summer, after I stopped being cautious about my diet, I experienced significant pain in July, August, and September, and my period returned to three days.
Recently, I want to start improving my health.
What are the pros and cons of evening primrose oil, Si Wu Tang, and Zhong Jiang Tang? Which one would be more suitable for my condition? (My condition: I seem to have a relatively hot constitution, and I previously took Zhong Jiang Tang, which caused mouth sores and angular cheilitis.
Does this mean I should avoid Zhong Jiang Tang? I have had menstrual pain issues since I started menstruating.) I apologize for the many questions and my writing may be a bit disorganized.
Thank you for your help.

xin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/09/30

Dr. Yan Sumei reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

Dear Sin,
Thank you for your letter.
Evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid, which can be converted into prostaglandin E1 in the body, thereby alleviating premenstrual syndrome.
The recommended dosage is 270-540 mg daily.

The ingredients in Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) are quite diverse, with effects such as promoting blood circulation, warming the meridians, clearing heat, and dispelling dampness.
This makes it difficult to target specific symptoms for individuals with uncomplicated conditions, often leading to discomfort after consumption.

Si Wu Tang (Four Substance Decoction) is a renowned blood tonic that also promotes blood circulation and is specifically designed for issues related to "blood." However, it does not address "qi" (vital energy) concerns.
For instance, your observation that reducing ice consumption alleviates symptoms suggests a deficiency in yang energy.
Therefore, relying solely on Si Wu Tang may not be sufficient for your condition.

To resolve your issue, it is likely that the aforementioned remedies alone will not suffice.
It would be best to consult a physician for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
If you prefer not to see a doctor, you might try Ba Zhen Tang (Eight Treasure Decoction), as it can both tonify blood and replenish qi, which should be more beneficial for you, and it is readily available at traditional Chinese medicine shops.

If that does not work, please consider seeing a physician to receive targeted treatment.

Wishing you peace and success! Stay healthy and happy!
Sincerely,
Yen Su-Mei
Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nantou Hospital

Reply Date: 2007/09/30

More Info

When it comes to menstrual health, understanding the role of supplements like Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) and herbal remedies is essential, especially for women experiencing irregularities or discomfort during their menstrual cycle. Your inquiry about your menstrual cycle, characterized by a regular 28-day period lasting only three days with light flow, raises some important points regarding menstrual health.

Firstly, the perception that a shorter menstrual duration and lighter flow indicate poor health is not universally accurate. Menstrual cycles can vary significantly among women, and what is considered "normal" can encompass a wide range of experiences. A typical menstrual cycle can last anywhere from 2 to 7 days, and flow can vary from light to heavy. Your experience of having a three-day period with light bleeding is not uncommon, and many women have similar patterns without underlying health issues.

However, if you are experiencing pain during your periods (dysmenorrhea), it is worth exploring potential remedies. You mentioned that avoiding cold foods and drinks seemed to alleviate some of your pain, which aligns with traditional beliefs in some cultures that suggest cold foods can exacerbate menstrual discomfort. While there is limited scientific evidence to support this, individual experiences can vary widely.

Regarding the use of Evening Primrose Oil, it is often recommended for women experiencing premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menstrual discomfort. EPO is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that may help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms related to PMS and menstrual pain. Some studies suggest that EPO can be beneficial for women with cyclical breast pain and may help regulate menstrual cycles, although results can vary.

On the other hand, traditional herbal remedies like Si Wu Tang (Four Substance Decoction) and Zhong Jiang Tang (Middle Jiao Decoction) are often used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to nourish the blood and regulate menstrual health. Si Wu Tang is particularly known for its ability to improve blood circulation and alleviate menstrual pain, while Zhong Jiang Tang is used to address digestive issues and may help with overall body balance. However, as you noted, you experienced mouth ulcers and angular cheilitis after taking Zhong Jiang Tang, which suggests that it may not be suitable for your constitution, particularly if you tend to have a "heat" constitution in TCM terms.

In your case, considering your symptoms and past experiences, Evening Primrose Oil might be a more suitable option to explore. It is generally well-tolerated and may help with menstrual discomfort without the adverse effects you experienced with Zhong Jiang Tang. However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider or a qualified herbalist before starting any new supplement or herbal remedy, especially if you have a history of adverse reactions.

In summary, your menstrual cycle's characteristics are not inherently indicative of poor health, but the pain you experience warrants attention. Evening Primrose Oil could be a beneficial addition to your regimen, while traditional herbal remedies should be approached with caution given your previous reactions. Always prioritize consulting with a healthcare professional to tailor a plan that suits your individual health needs.

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