Patient's question:
I started my period at the age of fifteen, and it has been eight years now. I have almost never had it on time. Sometimes it comes seven to eight days late, and other times it's ten to twenty days late. Is this a problem? How should I treat it?Doctor's answer:
Hello: Menstrual disorders refer to a category of diseases characterized by abnormalities in the menstrual cycle, duration, or volume. This includes conditions such as early menstruation, delayed menstruation, irregular menstruation, prolonged menstruation, excessive menstrual flow, and insufficient menstrual flow. The etiology and pathogenesis of menstrual disorders primarily involve emotional distress (seven emotions), external pathogens (six evils), insufficient congenital kidney qi, frequent childbirth or sexual exertion, and excessive fatigue, which can damage the zang-fu organs, disrupt the functions of the kidneys, liver, and spleen, lead to imbalance in qi and blood, and ultimately injure the Chong and Ren meridians, resulting in menstrual disorders.Qi and blood deficiency type: Menstrual cycle is advanced or delayed, menstrual volume increases or decreases, menstrual period extends, color is pale, and texture is thin. May also include lower abdominal pain, dizziness or blurred vision, fatigue or weakness in limbs, pale or sallow complexion, poor appetite, and loose stools. Tongue appearance is pale-red, and pulse is fine and weak. Treatment should focus on replenishing both qi and blood. Medications such as Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan (Strengthen the Middle and Invigorate Qi), Shi Quan Da Bu Wan (Ten-Tonics Major Pill), Wu Ji Bai Feng Wan (Black Chicken White Phoenix Pill), Ba Zhen Yi Mu Wan (Eight-Tonics Invigorating Menses Pill), Ba Bao Kun Shun Wan (Eight-Jeweled Women's Comfort Pill), Nu Jin Wan (Women's Gold Pill), Dang Guiiao Jing Wan (Angelica Sinensis Regulation Pill), Dang Gui Hong Zao Ke Li (Angelica Sinensis Jujube Granules), Gui Pi Wan (Spleen-Nourishing Pill), and Si Wu He Ji (Four-Ingredient Mixture) can be used.
Blood cold type: Menstrual cycle is delayed, volume is insufficient, color is dark with blood clots. Lower abdominal pain with coldness, which alleviates with warmth, and aversion to cold with cold limbs. Tongue appearance is white, and pulse is deep and tight. Treatment should focus on warming the meridians and dispelling cold. Medications such as Ai Fu Nuan Gong Wan (Mugwort and Aconite Warming Palace Pill), Tian Qi Tong Jing San (Tian Qi Pain-Relieving Powder), and Jin Gui Wen Jing Wan (Jin Gui Warming Meridian Pill) can be used.
Blood heat type:
1. Excess heat type: Menstrual cycle is advanced, volume is excessive, color is deep red or purple, texture is thick and sticky, with blood clots. May also include irritability, flushed face, dry mouth, short and yellow urine, and dry constipation. Tongue appearance is red, with yellow coating, and pulse is rapid. Treatment should focus on clearing heat, cooling blood, and regulating menstruation to stop bleeding. Medications such as Feng Lun Zhong Xue Pian (Wind Wheel Hemostatic Tablets) and Si Hong Dan (Four-Red Powder) can be used.
2. Deficiency heat type: Menstrual cycle is advanced, menstrual period extends, volume is excessive, color is red, and texture is thick. May also include flushed cheeks and heat in palms and soles. Tongue appearance is red with little coating.