Patient's question:
Female, 21 years old, no sexual history. I used to have very regular periods, but recently, I have had three periods in two months. On November 4, I had my period, which lasted for the normal 7-8 days. Then, on November 19, I had another period that lasted for about ten days. On December 11, I had another bleeding that lasted over ten days without stopping, but it was only some brown discharge, which didn't feel like a period. I went to the hospital for a pelvic ultrasound: no abnormalities were found. The doctor prescribed medication to stop bleeding and reduce inflammation, which helped stop the bleeding after I took it for two days. A few days later, my discharge had some blood streaks, so I went to the hospital again. A discharge test showed no abnormalities; the doctor just prescribed more anti-inflammatory medication without saying much. On December 30, I had my period again.Doctor's answer:
Hello: In traditional Chinese medicine theory, this falls under the category of "Menstruation Coming Too Early," which refers to: menstrual periods occurring 7 days or more earlier than usual, or even occurring every 10 days. It is also known as "Menstruation Coming Too Soon" and is divided into:- Qi Deficiency: Symptoms include early menstruation, heavy menstrual flow, pale color, and thin, watery texture. General symptoms: fatigue, empty feeling in the lower abdomen, poor appetite, loose stools, pale tongue, and weak, thready pulse. Treatment: Strengthen qi and stop bleeding to regulate menstruation. Prescription: Modified Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang.
- Yang Excess and Blood Heat: Symptoms include early menstruation, heavy flow, deep red or purple color, and thick, sticky texture. General symptoms: restlessness, flushed face, dry mouth, short, dark urine, red tongue with yellow coating, and rapid pulse. Treatment: Clear heat and cool blood to regulate menstruation. Prescription: Modified Qing Jing San.
- Liver Qi Stagnation and Blood Heat: Symptoms include early menstruation, variable flow amount, purple-red color with clots. General symptoms: lower abdominal pain, stuffy chest, costal distension, irritability, and dry mouth and throat. Treatment: Clear the liver, resolve stagnation, and regulate menstruation. Prescription: Modified Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San.
- Blood Division Deficiency-Heat: Symptoms include early menstruation, light or heavy flow, red color, and thick texture. General symptoms: flushed cheeks, heat in palms and soles, red tongue with thin coating, and thready, rapid pulse. Treatment: Nourish yin and clear heat to regulate menstruation. Prescription: Modified Liang Di Tang.
However, traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes syndrome differentiation and treatment. You should consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner for a clinical diagnosis and personalized medication to achieve the best results. Wishing you a speedy recovery.