Patient's question:
Hello, I am a 20-year-old girl, currently living with my boyfriend. Previously, my menstrual cycle was somewhat irregular, sometimes coming a few days early and sometimes a few days late, but it always lasted for about 4-5 days each month (with varying flow amounts).Recently, over the past few months, it has been coming earlier by a few days, but the flow is very light and the duration is very short—only about two days. This way, the entire month passes quickly. I always feel like something is wrong with me, but I can't quite put my finger on what it is. What should I do in this situation? What kind of tests should I get done at the hospital?
(We don’t use any contraception, and we haven’t been pregnant.)
Doctor's answer:
Hello, this is a condition of reduced menstrual flow in traditional Chinese medicine theory, which refers to: relatively normal menstrual cycles with significantly decreased menstrual volume, or even minimal bleeding, or shortened menstrual periods of less than two days with reduced volume. It can also be called excessive reduction in menstrual volume.It is divided into: blood deficiency syndrome, kidney deficiency syndrome, blood stasis syndrome, and phlegm-dampness syndrome.
Blood Deficiency Syndrome:
Clinical characteristics: Reduced menstrual volume, or minimal bleeding, with pale color and no clots. General symptoms: Dizziness, blurred vision, palpitations, a hollow sensation in the lower abdomen, pale pink tongue, and fine pulse. Treatment: Nourishing blood and regulating menstruation. Prescription: Zixue Decoction.
Kidney Deficiency Syndrome:
Menstrual volume is reduced, with pale red or dark red color and thin texture. General symptoms: Lower back and knee weakness, heel pain, dizziness and tinnitus, cold lower abdomen, frequent nighttime urination, pale tongue, and deep, weak pulse. Treatment: Tonifying the kidneys, nourishing blood, and regulating menstruation. Prescription: Guixin Pills.
Blood Stasis Syndrome:
Clinical characteristics: Reduced menstrual volume, dark purple-black color, with blood clots. General symptoms: Painful and tender lower abdominal swelling, reduced menstrual pain after blood clots are expelled, purple or dark tongue with petechiae, and wiry or thready pulse. Treatment: Promoting blood circulation and resolving stasis to regulate menstruation. Prescription: Taohong Siwu Decoction (modified).
Phlegm-Dampness Syndrome:
Clinical characteristics: Reduced menstrual volume, pale red color, with viscous and greasy texture like phlegm. General symptoms: Obesity, stuffy chest, nausea, or excessive greasy leukorrhea, pale tongue with greasy white coating, and slippery pulse. Treatment: Resolving phlegm, drying dampness, and regulating menstruation. Prescription: Cangfu Daotan Pills.
However, traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes syndrome differentiation and treatment. It is best to consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner for a comprehensive clinical diagnosis (including inspection, auscultation, inquiry, and palpation) to prescribe the correct medication for effective treatment. Wishing you a speedy recovery.