Patient's question:
Female, 40 years old. Menstruation prolonged, this is the first time. From December 14th to now, it still hasn't stopped. The blood is red but not very red, sometimes with small clots (dark red). Although not much, it's very annoying. I haven't felt any discomfort in my body. I don't know what's going on. Please help, what should I do?Doctor's answer:
Hello, this is known as "delayed menstruation" in traditional Chinese medicine theory: Delayed menstruation refers to menstruation being delayed by more than 7 days or even 40-50 days, also known as "postponed menstruation." It is divided into: blood deficiency, blood cold, deficiency-cold, and qi stagnation.Blood Cold Syndrome:
Clinical features: Delayed menstruation, reduced amount, dark color with clots.
General symptoms: Cold pain in the lower abdomen, pain relieved by warmth, aversion to cold, cold limbs, white tongue, and deep, tight pulse.
Treatment method: Warm the channels, dispel cold, and regulate menstruation.
Prescription: Wenyi Decoction.
Deficiency-Cold Syndrome:
Clinical features: Delayed menstruation, reduced amount, pale red color, thin and watery texture, no clots.
General symptoms: pain in the lower abdomen, preference for warmth and pressure, lower back soreness and weakness, clear and copious urination, loose and watery stools, pale tongue with white coating, deep and slow or weak pulse.
Treatment method: Support yang, dispel cold, and regulate menstruation.
Prescription: Aifu Nuangong Wan.
Blood Deficiency Syndrome:
Clinical features: Delayed menstruation, reduced amount, no clots.
General symptoms: Empty pain in the lower abdomen, dizziness and blurred vision, pale or sallow complexion, pale red tongue with weak pulse.
Treatment method: Nourish blood and regulate menstruation.
Prescription: Dabu Yuanjiao Decoction.
Qi Stagnation Syndrome:
Clinical features: Delayed menstruation, reduced amount, dark red color with small clots.
General symptoms: Bloating in the lower abdomen, or pain in the chest, abdomen, both sides of the waist, and breasts, normal tongue coating, wiry pulse.
Treatment method: Harmonize qi and regulate menstruation.
Prescription: Wuyao Decoction.
However, traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes syndrome differentiation and treatment. It is best to consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, combine the four diagnostic methods (inspection, auscultation/olfaction, inquiry, and palpation), and prescribe medication accordingly for effective treatment. Wishing you a speedy recovery!