Patient's question:
Hello, I am still a single girl. My menstrual cycles used to be very regular, with no abnormalities. But this time, my period arrived several days earlier than usual, without any of the usual premenstrual symptoms. The blood color was very dark, almost black, and the amount was very little. It felt like the blood couldn't be expelled from my body. Previously, my period usually lasted about a week, with the first three days being the heaviest. But this time, the first half of the period had very little flow, and by the third day, it seemed to stop completely. I am very worried and confused. Could you please tell me what might be the reason for this?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 flow, or shortened menstrual periods of less than two days with reduced volume. It can also be referred to as excessive menstrual volume reduction.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 flow, with pale color and no clots. General symptoms: Dizziness and blurred vision, palpitations, a hollow sensation in the lower abdomen, pale pink tongue, and thin pulse. Treatment method: 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 method: Tonifying the kidneys, nourishing blood, and regulating menstruation. Prescription: Guixin Pill.
Blood Stasis Syndrome:
Clinical characteristics: Reduced menstrual flow, dark purple-black color with blood clots. General symptoms: Painful and resistant lower abdominal swelling, reduced menstrual pain after blood clots are expelled, purple or dark tongue with petechiae, and wiry or thready pulse. Treatment method: Promoting blood circulation and resolving stasis to regulate menstruation. Prescription: Taohong Siwu Decoction (modified).
Phlegm-Dampness Syndrome:
Clinical characteristics: Reduced menstrual flow, pale red color with sticky and phlegmy texture. General symptoms: Obesity, stuffy chest, nausea, or excessive sticky leukorrhea, pale tongue with greasy white coating, and slippery pulse. Treatment method: Resolving phlegm, drying dampness, and regulating menstruation. Prescription: Cangfu Daotanwan.
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.