Patient's question:
Hello! Since 2003, I have intermittently been treated for menstrual irregularities (mainly delayed periods) at a TCM clinic. My condition has been improving and worsening intermittently. I have taken Chinese medicine and progesterone, but now my period is delayed by nearly three months again. I am currently trying acupuncture to regulate my menstrual cycle, but it hasn't shown any effect. I am very anxious. What should I do?Doctor's answer:
Hello, menstrual disorders refer to a category of diseases characterized by abnormalities in the menstrual cycle, duration, or 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 disorders primarily involve emotional distress (seven emotions), external pathogens (six evils), insufficient innate kidney qi, multiple childbirths or excessive sexual activity, and excessive fatigue, which can 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 disorders.Qi and blood deficiency type: Menstrual cycle is advanced or delayed, menstrual volume increased or decreased, prolonged menstruation, pale color, thin and watery texture. May also include lower abdominal pain, dizziness or blurred vision, fatigue or weakness in limbs, pale or sallow complexion, poor appetite, and loose stools. Pale red tongue with a thin white coating and a weak, thready pulse. Treatment should focus on replenishing both qi and blood. Medications such as Buzhong Yiqi Wan (Bu Zhong Yi Qi Pills), Shi Quan Da Bu Wan (Ten Major Tonic Pills), Wu Ji Bai Feng Wan (Black Chicken White Phoenix Pills), Ba Zhen Yi Mu Wan (Eight Treasure Materia Medica Pills), Ba Bao Kun Shun Wan (Eight Treasure Women's Tonic Pills), Nu Jin Wan (Women's Gold Pills), Dang Gui Tiao Jing Wan (Angelica Regulation Pills), Dang Gui Hong Zao Ke Li (Angelica Jujube Granules), Gui Pi Wan (Spleen Invigorating Pills), and Si Wu He Ji (Four Substance Mixture) may be used.
Blood cold type: Delayed menstruation, reduced volume, dark color with blood clots. Lower abdominal cold pain, pain relieved by warmth, aversion to cold, and cold limbs. White tongue with a deep, tight pulse. Treatment should focus on warming the meridians and dispelling cold. Medications such as Ai Fu Nu Gong Wan (Mugwort and aconite Warming Palace Pills), Tian Qi Tong Jing San (Tian Qi Pain Relieving Powder), and Jin Gui Wen Jing Wan (Jin Gui Warming Meridian Pills) may be used.
Blood heat type:
1. Excess heat type: Advanced menstruation, increased volume, deep red or purple color, thick and sticky texture with blood clots. May also include irritability, flushed face, dry mouth, short and yellow urine, and dry constipation. Red tongue with a yellow coating and a rapid pulse. Treatment should focus on clearing heat, cooling blood, and regulating menstruation to stop bleeding. Medications such as Feng Lun Zhi Xue Pian (Wind Wheel Hemostatic Tablets) and Si Hong Dan (Four Red Powder) may be used.
2. Deficiency heat type: Advanced menstruation, prolonged menstruation, increased volume, red color, thick texture. May also include flushed cheeks and heat in palms and soles. Red tongue with a thin coating.