Patient's question:
I got married last year. Recently, I've been experiencing lower abdominal pain, especially during my period. I'm very worried about it affecting my fertility, and I also feel extremely cold and sensitive to cold. Could you please explain why I'm experiencing irregular periods?Doctor's answer:
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnosis identifies several causes of menstrual irregularities. Delayed menstruation and hypomenorrhea (reduced menstrual flow) are often due to chronic illness leading to blood loss, postpartum depletion of essence and blood, or spleen deficiency with insufficient nourishing blood. Alternatively, congenital deficiency, excessive childbearing, or overexertion may deplete kidney essence, resulting in kidney deficiency and an insufficiently nourished Chong and Ren meridians. Additionally, excessive consumption of cold foods or exposure to cold can cause blood to congeal due to cold. Emotional depression, unbalanced emotions, and qi stagnation with blood stasis are also contributing factors.Irregular menstruation not only affects a woman's physical health but can also lead to gynecological disorders. It is advisable to undergo routine examinations at a gynecological clinic to identify the underlying causes and receive targeted treatment. Additionally, maintaining good personal hygiene and keeping the vulvar area clean is essential.