Patient's question:
Hello! My menstrual cycle used to be normal, but in the past few months, the amount of blood flow has decreased, and the duration of the cycle has changed from four days to two days. Is this normal? Thank you!Doctor's answer:
Hello, this is a condition of decreased menstrual flow in traditional Chinese medicine theory, which refers to: a generally normal menstrual cycle, but with significantly reduced menstrual volume, or even just a few drops, or a shortened menstrual period of less than two days with reduced volume. It can also be called excessive menstrual volume deficiency.It is divided into: blood deficiency syndrome, kidney deficiency syndrome, blood stasis syndrome, and phlegm-dampness syndrome.
Blood Deficiency Syndrome:
Clinical characteristics: Reduced menstrual volume, or just a few drops, pale without clots. General symptoms: Dizziness and blurred vision, palpitations, a hollow sensation in the lower abdomen, pale pink tongue, and thin pulse. Treatment method: Nourishing blood and regulating menstruation. Prescription: Zixue Decoction.
Kidney Deficiency Syndrome:
Menstrual volume is reduced, 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: Guishen Pills.
Blood Stasis Syndrome:
Clinical characteristics: Reduced menstrual volume, dark purple-black color with blood clots. General symptoms: Painful and resistant lower abdominal distension, 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: Reduced menstrual volume, pale red color, and sticky, phlegmy texture. 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 practitioner for a comprehensive clinical diagnosis (including inspection, auscultation, inquiry, and palpation) to prescribe the correct medication for effective treatment. Wishing you a speedy recovery.