Bleeding Between Periodsaccording to TCM
*redirected from Mid-cycle bleeding
Symptom family: Irregular or Abnormal Menstrual and Uterine Bleeding
Parent symptom: Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
What is Bleeding Between Periods?
Bleeding between periods, medically known as intermenstrual bleeding, refers to vaginal bleeding occurring at times other than the regular menstrual cycle. It includes various symptoms like mid-cycle bleeding, spotting, or bleeding during ovulation. This symptom challenges the typical understanding of menstrual regularity, indicating a potential underlying issue. It's a specific form of abnormal uterine bleeding, which can vary from light spotting to heavier bleeding, and can be a cause of concern for many women.
How Does TCM View Bleeding Between Periods?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches bleeding between periods as a complex symptom influenced by various patterns of disharmony within the body. Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on the physical aspects, TCM delves into the holistic interplay of bodily systems.
It emphasizes that such symptoms are not just gynecological but are often reflections of deeper imbalances. TCM recognizes that to effectively treat this symptom, it's crucial to identify and address the specific pattern of disharmony causing it, which could range from internal heat to Qi (energy) deficiency.
Root Causes of Bleeding Between Periods in TCM
In TCM, bleeding between periods is seen as a manifestation of underlying imbalances. One possible cause is Damp-Heat in the Liver, characterized by symptoms like abdominal fullness and a bitter taste in the mouth. This condition is typically treated with formulas designed to clear Heat and Dampness from the Liver.
Another cause could be Blood Stagnation, where blood does not flow properly, leading to sporadic bleeding. This is addressed with formulas that invigorate blood and dispel stagnation. Additionally, Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency might cause bleeding, requiring nourishment of yin and cooling of blood. TCM practitioners carefully diagnose the specific pattern before selecting an appropriate treatment.
Explore below more details about what might cause Bleeding between periods according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Heat
- Dampness
- Yin Deficiency
- View More Causes
Heat
In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more
Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Bleeding Between Periods
Common Symptoms: Dizziness Dark Urine Fever Sticky Taste In The Mouth Feeling Of Heaviness Bitter Taste In The Mouth Abdominal Fullness Menstrual Cramps
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Damp-Heat | bleeding between periods, intermenstrual bleeding, mid cycle bleeding, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Feeling of heat, Feeling of heaviness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Acne... see more | Ba Zheng San |
| Damp-Heat in the Liver | Midcycle bleeding, Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Abdominal fullness, Lower abdominal fullness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Sticky taste in the mouth, Loss of appetite, Nausea, Feeling of heaviness, Yellow vaginal discharge, Vaginal itching, Vulvar eczema, Vulvar sores, Bleeding between periods, Midcycle bleeding pain, Red and swollen scrotum, Red and swelling genital, Papules, Itchy vesicular rashes, Urinary dysfunction, Urinary burning, Dark urine... see more | Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Yin Chen Hao Tang |
| Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency causing Heat in the Blood | bleeding between periods, intermenstrual bleeding, mid cycle bleeding, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Night sweats, Back pain, Dark urine | Liang Di Tang | Er Zhi Wan | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zuo Gui Wan |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Bleeding Between Periods
For conditions like Damp-Heat in the Liver, TCM recommends formulas such as Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, which includes Chinese Gentian, known for its properties of clearing heat and drying dampness.
In cases of Blood Stagnation, Zhu Yu Zhi Xue Tang is often used, leveraging herbs like Unprepared Rehmannia to invigorate blood flow and resolve stagnation.
When dealing with Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, formulas such as Liang Di Tang and Er Zhi Wan are prescribed, containing herbs like Glossy Privet Fruits, which nourish yin and cool the blood. Each TCM formula is chosen based on the individual's specific pattern of disharmony, ensuring a personalized and effective treatment approach.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address bleeding between periods, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Heat
- Dampness
- Yin Deficiency
- View More Causes
Top Formula for Heat:
Liang Di Tang
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause bleeding between periods, such as Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency causing Heat in the Blood
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Bleeding Between Periods Caused by Heat
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Liang Di Tang | Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency causing Heat in the Blood |
| Er Zhi Wan | Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency causing Heat in the Blood |
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency causing Heat in the Blood |
| Zuo Gui Wan | Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency causing Heat in the Blood |
| Ba Zheng San | Damp-Heat |
| Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Damp-Heat in the Liver |
| Yin Chen Hao Tang | Damp-Heat in the Liver |
TCM Herbs for Bleeding Between Periods
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address bleeding between periods, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
Herbs that drain Dampness
Bleeding between periods can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Chinese Pink Herbs (Qu Mai), a key herb in some formulas recommended for bleeding between periods, like Ba Zheng San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that drain Dampness" recommended for bleeding between periods
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Chinese Pink Herbs (Qu Mai) | Ba Zheng San |
| Knotgrass (Bian Xu) | Ba Zheng San |
| Virgate Wormwood (Yin Chen) | Yin Chen Hao Tang |