Patient's question:
My menstrual cycle is very irregular, sometimes occurring every half a month and sometimes every two months. The flow is not very heavy, and most of the time the blood is dark, but it can last for a week. Is this considered a medical condition? How can it be regulated?Doctor's answer:
Hello, menstrual irregularity refers to a category of diseases characterized by abnormalities in the menstrual cycle, duration, and 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 irregularity are primarily caused by emotional distress (seven emotions), external pathogens (six evils), insufficient innate kidney qi, multiple pregnancies, overexertion, or excessive labor, which 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 irregularity.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. It may also be accompanied by lower abdominal pain, dizziness and blurred vision, fatigue and limb weakness, pale or sallow complexion, poor appetite, and loose stools. The tongue is pale-red, and the pulse is fine and weak. Treatment should focus on replenishing both qi and blood. Medications such as Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan, Shi Quan Da Bu Wan, Wu Ji Bai Feng Wan, Ba Zhen Yi Mu Wan, Ba Bao Kun Shun Wan, Nu Jin Wan, Dang Guiiao Jing Wan, Dang Gui Hong Zao Keli, Gui Pi Wan, and Si Wu He Ji can be used.
Blood cold type: Menstrual period is delayed, volume is small, color is dark with blood clots. Lower abdominal pain with coldness, which alleviates with warmth, and aversion to cold with cold limbs. The tongue is white, and the pulse is deep and tight. Treatment should focus on warming the meridians and dispelling cold. Medications such as Ai Fu Nu Gong Wan, Tian Qi Tong Jing San, and Jin Gui Wen Jing Wan can be used.
Blood heat type:
1. Excess heat type: Menstrual period is advanced, volume is large, color is deep red or purple, texture is thick and sticky, with blood clots. It may also be accompanied by restlessness, flushed face, dry mouth, short and yellow urine, and dry constipation. The tongue is red, with a yellow coating, and the pulse is rapid. Treatment should focus on clearing heat, cooling blood, and regulating menstruation to stop bleeding. Medications such as Feng Lun Zhi Xue Pian and Si Hong Dan can be used.
2. Deficiency heat type: Menstrual period is advanced, menstrual period extends, volume is large, color is red, and texture is thick. It may also be accompanied by flushed cheeks and heat in the palms and soles. The tongue is red, with a thin coating.