Patient's question:
Detailed medical condition and consultation purpose: The menstrual flow this month is relatively less and the color is darker. What is the reason?Medical history: None
Doctor's answer:
Hello, this is a condition of decreased menstrual flow in traditional Chinese medicine theory, which refers to: the menstrual cycle is basically normal, the amount of menstruation is significantly reduced, or it may be so minimal that it stops after a few drops, or the menstrual period is shortened to less than two days with a small amount of flow. It can also be called "excessively small menstrual flow."It is divided into: blood deficiency syndrome, kidney deficiency syndrome, blood stasis syndrome, and phlegm-dampness syndrome.
Blood Deficiency Syndrome:
Clinical characteristics: Decreased menstrual flow, or it may be so minimal that it stops after a few drops, with pale color and no clots. General symptoms: Dizziness and blurred vision, palpitations, a hollow sensation in the lower abdomen, pale red tongue, and thin pulse. Treatment method: Nourishing blood and regulating menstruation. Prescription: Zixue Decoction.
Kidney Deficiency Syndrome:
Menstrual flow is decreased, with pale red or dark red color and thin texture. General symptoms: Lower back and knee weakness, heel pain, dizziness and tinnitus, cold lower abdomen, frequent nighttime urination, pale tongue, and deep, weak pulse. Treatment method: Tonifying the kidneys, nourishing blood, and regulating menstruation. Prescription: Guixin Pills.
Blood Stasis Syndrome:
Clinical characteristics: Decreased menstrual flow, dark purple-black color, with blood clots. General symptoms: Painful and distended lower abdomen, reduced menstrual pain after blood clots are expelled, purple or dark tongue with petechiae, and wiry or thready pulse. Treatment method: Promoting blood circulation and resolving stasis to regulate menstruation. Prescription: Taohong Siwu Decoction (modified).
Phlegm-Dampness Syndrome:
Clinical characteristics: Decreased menstrual flow, pale red color, with sticky and greasy texture like phlegm. General symptoms: Obesity, stuffy chest, nausea, or excessive sticky leukorrhea, pale tongue with greasy white coating, and slippery pulse. Treatment method: Resolving phlegm, drying dampness, and regulating menstruation. Prescription: Cangfu Daotan Pills.
However, traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes syndrome differentiation and treatment. It is best to consult a traditional Chinese medicine clinic for a comprehensive diagnosis combining the four diagnostic methods (inspection, auscultation/olfaction, inquiry, and palpation) to prescribe the right medicine for effective treatment. Wishing you a speedy recovery.