Menopausal Hot Flashesaccording to TCM

*redirected from Menopausal hot flushes

Symptom family: Menopausal Disorders

Parent symptom: Menopausal Symptoms

What is Menopausal Hot Flashes?

Menopausal hot flashes are sudden feelings of warmth, often intense, that can spread throughout the body but are most commonly felt in the face, neck, and chest. These episodes can lead to sweating, redness of the skin, and, in some cases, chills. Hot flashes are a hallmark symptom of menopause, the period marking the end of a woman's reproductive years. These flashes can vary in frequency and intensity and may be accompanied by night sweats, impacting sleep quality and overall well-being.

How does TCM View Menopausal Hot Flashes?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, understanding "what is pattern" is fundamental to treating any symptom, including menopausal hot flashes. A pattern is a comprehensive diagnosis of a patient's overall health condition, identifying the unique imbalance causing their symptoms.

Recognizing the specific pattern—be it Kidney Yin Deficiency or Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys—is essential. This diagnosis guides practitioners in tailoring a personalized treatment strategy, ensuring that interventions target the root cause of symptoms rather than just alleviating the symptoms themselves.

Root Causes of Menopausal Hot Flashes in TCM

TCM attributes menopausal hot flashes primarily to Kidney Yin Deficiency, a condition where the cooling, moistening aspects of the body's energy become depleted, leading to an excess of heat. Symptoms include night sweats, a red flushed face, and a sensation of heat in the palms, soles, and chest.

A secondary cause can be the disharmony between the Heart and Kidneys, where the communication between water (Kidney) and fire (Heart) elements within the body is disrupted, leading to heat signs. Treatment focuses on nourishing yin, cooling the body, and restoring balance between the Heart and Kidneys.

Explore below more details about what might cause Menopausal hot flashes according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Yang Deficiency
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Blood Stasis
  • Heat
  • Kidney
  • Liver
  • Heart
Detailed description of the cause

Yin Deficiency

Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more

Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Menopausal Hot Flashes

Common Symptoms: Tinnitus Dizziness Night Sweats Dry Throat Menopausal Symptoms Back Pain Lower Back Pain Generalized Fatigue

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yin Deficiency Menopausal hot flushes, Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Infertility, Premature ejaculation, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Anxiety, Heat sensation in palms, Evening heat sensation, Flushed cheekbones, Menopausal hot flashes, Preference for sipping, Evening anxiety... see more Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zuo Gui Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency Hot flushes, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache, Insomnia, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Dry throat, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Withered and brittle nails, Vaginal dryness, Night sweats, Dry stools, Nocturnal emission, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Late menstruation, Infertility... see more Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Gui Shao Di Huang Tang | Zuo Gui Yin
Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang Hot flushes, Menopausal symptoms, Hypertension, Irregular periods, Menopausal hot flashes, Excessive sweating, Irritability, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Palpitations... see more Er Xian Tang | Er Zhi Wan
Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys Hot flushes, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Insomnia, Palpitations, Poor memory, Lower back pain, Knee pain, Night sweats, Constipation, Menopausal hot flashes... see more Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan
Detailed description of the cause

Yang Deficiency

Yang deficiency in TCM refers to a state where the body's Yang energy, which is responsible for warmth, activity, and function, is weakened or diminished. This pattern of disharmony often arises from chronic illness, aging, or inherent constitutional weakness. Symptoms of Yang deficiency are typically associated with cold and sluggishness, such as a feeling of coldness, cold extremities, pale complexion, low energy or fatigue, and a desire for warmth. Digestive issues like poor appetite, loose stools, and water retention can also be indicative of Yang deficiency.... see more

Yang Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Menopausal Hot Flashes

Common Symptoms: Menopausal Symptoms Hypertension Irregular Periods Generalized Fatigue General Weakness Depression Frequent Urination Chronic Glomerulonephritis

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yang Deficiency Hot flushes, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Low sex drive, Pale and abudant urination, Constipation... see more You Gui Wan
Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang Hot flushes, Menopausal symptoms, Hypertension, Irregular periods, Menopausal hot flashes, Excessive sweating, Irritability, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Palpitations... see more Er Xian Tang | Er Zhi Wan
Detailed description of the cause

Qi Stagnation

Qi Stagnation in TCM is like having a traffic jam in your body's energy system. Qi, the vital life force that flows through your body, is supposed to move smoothly to maintain health and balance. But with Qi Stagnation, this flow gets blocked or slowed down, like cars stuck on a highway. This can lead to symptoms like feeling stressed, emotional mood swings, and physical discomfort, often described as a feeling of fullness or tightness, especially in the chest or abdomen. It's as though the body's internal energy circulation is disrupted, causing various issues. TCM sees this as an energy flow problem, different from modern medicine's focus on specific physiological processes.... see more

Qi Stagnation Patterns That Can Lead to Menopausal Hot Flashes

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Qi And Blood Stagnation Hot flushes, Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression, Mottled skin, Foot edema, Abdominal masses, Melena black tarry stool, Menstrual cramps, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods... see more Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Wen Jing Tang | Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan
Detailed description of the cause

Blood Stasis

Blood Stasis in TCM is a concept where the blood flow in the body is not as smooth or efficient as it should be. Imagine a river that's supposed to flow freely, but instead, it's getting blocked or moving too slowly in some parts. This can lead to various health issues, like pain that feels sharp or stabbing, dark bruises, and a complexion that looks purplish. TCM believes that good health relies on the smooth and vibrant flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, so when blood gets stuck, it's like a traffic jam in your body, leading to discomfort or health problems.... see more

Blood Stasis Patterns That Can Lead to Menopausal Hot Flashes

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Qi And Blood Stagnation Hot flushes, Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression, Mottled skin, Foot edema, Abdominal masses, Melena black tarry stool, Menstrual cramps, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods... see more Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Wen Jing Tang | Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan
Detailed description of the cause

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 Menopausal Hot Flashes

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys Hot flushes, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Insomnia, Palpitations, Poor memory, Lower back pain, Knee pain, Night sweats, Constipation, Menopausal hot flashes... see more Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan
Detailed description of the cause

Kidney

In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more

Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Menopausal Hot Flashes

Common Symptoms: Lower Back Pain Tinnitus Dizziness Night Sweats Menopausal Symptoms Back Pain Constipation Infertility

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yin Deficiency Menopausal hot flushes, Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Infertility, Premature ejaculation, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Anxiety, Heat sensation in palms, Evening heat sensation, Flushed cheekbones, Menopausal hot flashes, Preference for sipping, Evening anxiety... see more Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zuo Gui Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan
Kidney Yang Deficiency Hot flushes, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Low sex drive, Pale and abudant urination, Constipation... see more You Gui Wan
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency Hot flushes, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache, Insomnia, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Dry throat, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Withered and brittle nails, Vaginal dryness, Night sweats, Dry stools, Nocturnal emission, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Late menstruation, Infertility... see more Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Gui Shao Di Huang Tang | Zuo Gui Yin
Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys Hot flushes, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Insomnia, Palpitations, Poor memory, Lower back pain, Knee pain, Night sweats, Constipation, Menopausal hot flashes... see more Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan
Detailed description of the cause

Liver

In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more

Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Menopausal Hot Flashes

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency Hot flushes, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache, Insomnia, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Dry throat, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Withered and brittle nails, Vaginal dryness, Night sweats, Dry stools, Nocturnal emission, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Late menstruation, Infertility... see more Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Gui Shao Di Huang Tang | Zuo Gui Yin
Detailed description of the cause

Heart

In TCM the Heart is considered the "emperor" of all organs, primarily responsible for governing Blood and housing the mind, known as "Shen." It plays a crucial role in maintaining mental-emotional equilibrium and controlling the circulation of Qi and blood throughout the body. When the Heart is imbalanced or malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues like heart palpitations, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, anxiety, and a flushed complexion. Emotional disturbances such as excessive joy or lack of joy are also seen as signs of Heart disharmony. These symptoms reflect not just physical heart conditions but also the state of one's Shen, indicating the interconnectedness of physical and emotional well-being in TCM.... see more

Heart Patterns That Can Lead to Menopausal Hot Flashes

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys Hot flushes, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Insomnia, Palpitations, Poor memory, Lower back pain, Knee pain, Night sweats, Constipation, Menopausal hot flashes... see more Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Menopausal Hot Flashes

To combat Kidney Yin Deficiency, TCM recommends herbal formulas such as Liu Wei Di Huang Wan and Zuo Gui Wan, which nourish and replenish the Kidney Yin, providing relief from the intense heat. For addressing the disharmony between the Heart and Kidneys, Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan can be beneficial, focusing on calming the mind and cooling the Heart fire.

Additionally, lifestyle adjustments and dietary changes, incorporating cooling foods and adequate hydration, can support these treatments. Acupuncture is another vital component, targeting specific points that enhance the treatment's efficacy by promoting the smooth flow of Qi and blood, further alleviating the symptoms of menopausal hot flashes.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address menopausal hot flashes, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Yang Deficiency
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Blood Stasis
  • Heat
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
  • Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
  • Formulas that tonify yin and yang
  • Formulas that warm yang and tonify

All Formulas Recommended for Menopausal Hot Flashes Caused by Yin Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys... see more
Zuo Gui Wan Kidney Yin Deficiency
Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan Kidney Yin Deficiency
Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang Kidney Yin Deficiency
Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan Kidney Yin Deficiency
Er Xian Tang Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang
Er Zhi Wan Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Gui Shao Di Huang Tang Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Zuo Gui Yin Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys

All Formulas Recommended for Menopausal Hot Flashes Caused by Yang Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Er Xian Tang Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang
Er Zhi Wan Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang
You Gui Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency

All Formulas Recommended for Menopausal Hot Flashes Caused by Qi Stagnation

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Wen Jing Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan Qi And Blood Stagnation

All Formulas Recommended for Menopausal Hot Flashes Caused by Blood Stasis

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Wen Jing Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan Qi And Blood Stagnation

All Formulas Recommended for Menopausal Hot Flashes Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys

All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for menopausal hot flashes

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys... see more
Zuo Gui Wan Kidney Yin Deficiency
Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan Kidney Yin Deficiency
Er Zhi Wan Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Gui Shao Di Huang Tang Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Zuo Gui Yin Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency

All "formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind" recommended for menopausal hot flashes

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang Kidney Yin Deficiency
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys

All "formulas that tonify yin and yang" recommended for menopausal hot flashes

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan Kidney Yin Deficiency
Er Xian Tang Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang

All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for menopausal hot flashes

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Wen Jing Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan Qi And Blood Stagnation

TCM Herbs for Menopausal Hot Flashes

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address menopausal hot flashes, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
  • Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
  • Herbs that invigorate the blood
  • Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
  • Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
  • Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
  • Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
  • Herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit
  • Herbs that cool the blood
  • Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
  • Herbs that drain dampness

"Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency" recommended for menopausal hot flashes

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Curculigo Rhizomes (Xian Mao) Er Xian Tang
Epimedium Herbs (Yin Yang Huo) Er Xian Tang
Deer Antler Glue (Lu Jiao Jiao) You Gui Wan

"Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold" recommended for menopausal hot flashes

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) You Gui Wan
Cinnamon Bark (Rou Gui) You Gui Wan
Evodia Fruits (Wu Zhu Yu) Wen Jing Tang

"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for menopausal hot flashes

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong) Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
Safflowers (Hong Hua) Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
Peach Kernels (Tao Ren) Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang

"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for menopausal hot flashes

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zuo Gui Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Gui Shao Di Huang Tang | Zuo Gui Yin
Fleeceflower Roots (He Shou Wu) Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan

"Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency" recommended for menopausal hot flashes

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Glossy Privet Fruits (Nu Zhen Zi) Er Zhi Wan
Eclipta Herbs (Mo han lian) Er Zhi Wan