Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine

Irregular menstrual cycle?

Hello Dr.
Ding,
I have been experiencing irregular menstrual cycles, with my period only coming every three to four months.
This year (2008), my menstruation was delayed for about six months until February.
I visited a gynecologist who performed an ultrasound but did not provide much information.
Eventually, I was prescribed medication to induce menstruation, and my period started seven days after completing the medication.

In August, I experienced breast tenderness and initially thought my period was about to start, but after the discomfort subsided, my menstruation did not come.
Recently, I have been visiting a Traditional Chinese Medicine clinic for about a month, attending weekly follow-ups and receiving herbal medication, but my period still has not returned.
I am feeling quite impatient and would like to ask for your advice on what I should do next.

Nanxi, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/12/30

Dr. Ding Hanxiang reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

Dear Nancy,
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), late menstruation or amenorrhea can be categorized into various patterns such as Qi deficiency, Blood deficiency, Kidney deficiency, Cold stagnation, and Qi stagnation with Blood stasis.
If your menstrual cycle has been unstable since menarche, it may partially be due to Kidney deficiency.
However, multiple patterns can coexist, so it is essential to diagnose and adjust treatment based on your individual constitution.

Unless it is a case of Qi stagnation with Blood stasis, which is considered a pattern of excess, other deficiency patterns require patience and gradual adjustment, ideally over a period of at least three months.
After all, you are already 30 years old, and TCM does not aim to induce menstruation but rather to normalize your endocrine system.
Once your body reaches a certain level of balance, menstruation will occur naturally without the need for induction.
Please give your physician some time.
Wishing you peace and health.
Sincerely,
Dr.
Ding Han-Hsiang
Attending Physician, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare

Reply Date: 2008/12/30

More Info

Irregular menstrual cycles can be a source of concern for many women, and understanding the underlying causes is crucial for effective treatment. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), menstrual irregularities are often viewed through the lens of the body's balance of Yin and Yang, as well as the flow of Qi (energy) and blood. Your experience of having menstrual cycles that are delayed for several months, along with symptoms like breast tenderness, suggests that there may be underlying imbalances that need to be addressed.

In TCM, irregular menstrual cycles can be attributed to several factors, including:
1. Qi and Blood Deficiency: If the body lacks sufficient Qi and blood, it can lead to irregularities in the menstrual cycle. Symptoms may include fatigue, pale complexion, and dizziness.

2. Liver Qi Stagnation: Emotional stress or lifestyle factors can cause stagnation of Liver Qi, leading to symptoms such as irritability, breast tenderness, and irregular periods.

3. Kidney Yang Deficiency: The kidneys play a vital role in reproductive health. A deficiency in Kidney Yang can lead to coldness in the body, affecting menstrual regularity.

4. Phlegm-Damp Accumulation: This can occur due to poor diet or lifestyle choices, leading to symptoms such as weight gain, bloating, and irregular cycles.

Given your situation, where you have experienced significant delays in your menstrual cycle and have sought both Western and Traditional Chinese medical interventions, it is essential to take a comprehensive approach. Here are some suggestions based on TCM principles:

1. Consult a Qualified TCM Practitioner:
It's crucial to work with a licensed TCM practitioner who can conduct a thorough diagnosis. They will assess your pulse, tongue, and overall health to determine the specific imbalances affecting your menstrual cycle.

2. Herbal Medicine:
TCM often employs herbal formulas tailored to the individual's condition. For example, if your practitioner identifies a Qi and blood deficiency, they might prescribe formulas like "Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang" (Ginseng Nourishing Decoction) to help nourish and invigorate your body. If Liver Qi stagnation is suspected, "Chai Hu Shu Gan San" (Bupleurum Powder to Spread the Liver) may be recommended.

3. Acupuncture:
Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for regulating menstrual cycles. Specific acupuncture points can help promote the flow of Qi and blood, alleviate stress, and restore balance to the body.

4. Lifestyle and Dietary Adjustments:
Incorporating a balanced diet rich in whole foods, vegetables, and lean proteins can support overall health. Avoiding excessive cold or raw foods may also be beneficial, as TCM believes that these can contribute to internal coldness, affecting menstrual health.

5. Stress Management:
Since emotional well-being is closely linked to menstrual health in TCM, practices such as meditation, yoga, or tai chi can help reduce stress and promote a more balanced state of mind.

6. Regular Monitoring:
Keep track of your menstrual cycle and any accompanying symptoms. This information can be valuable for your TCM practitioner to adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Conclusion:
While it can be frustrating to experience irregular menstrual cycles, TCM offers a holistic approach that addresses the root causes rather than just the symptoms. By working closely with a qualified TCM practitioner and making lifestyle adjustments, you may find a path toward more regular menstrual cycles and improved overall health. Remember that patience is key, as balancing the body's systems can take time.

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