Scanty Menstruationaccording to TCM

What is Scanty Menstruation?

Scanty menstruation, often referred to as oligomenorrhea, is a condition characterized by menstrual periods that are unusually light or brief. This symptom encompasses various forms, including light menstrual flow and decreased menstrual flow, reflecting different degrees of menstrual insufficiency.

The deviation from normal menstrual patterns indicates an underlying irregularity that can be influenced by various factors.

How does TCM view Scanty Menstruation?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches scanty menstruation through a holistic lens, viewing it as a manifestation of imbalances within the body's Qi (vital energy) and blood. TCM doesn't isolate menstrual issues but rather sees them as part of a larger systemic imbalance.

This perspective differs from Western medicine by focusing on restoring overall harmony and addressing root causes like Blood Deficiency, Yin Deficiency, and Blood Stagnation.

Root Causes of Scanty Menstruation in TCM

In TCM, multiple patterns are recognized as potential causes of scanty menstruation. Blood Deficiency, for instance, is often identified by symptoms such as dizziness, pale lips, and insomnia alongside reduced menstrual flow, indicating a lack of nourishing blood in the body. Similarly, Yin Deficiency might present as back pain, knee pain, dizziness, and a pale menstrual flow, suggesting a depletion of the body's cooling and moistening energy.

Blood Stagnation, another common pattern in TCM, could manifest through symptoms like menstrual cramps, dark menstrual blood, and a dark complexion, pointing to impaired blood circulation. Additionally, Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus is characterized by symptoms like abdominal heaviness, feeling of chest oppression, and generalized fatigue, indicating an accumulation of dampness affecting menstrual regularity.

Explore below more details about what might cause Scanty menstruation according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Blood Deficiency
  • Blood Stasis
  • Yin Deficiency
Detailed description of the cause

Blood Deficiency

Blood Deficiency in TCM is like when your body's tank runs low on the vital energy that blood provides. It's not exactly the same as anemia in modern medicine, which is about having too few red blood cells. Instead, Blood Deficiency in TCM is about your body not having enough of the life-giving qualities that blood brings, like nourishment and moisture. This can make you feel tired, look pale, and even feel dizzy or have blurry vision. It's like a garden not getting enough water to stay lush and vibrant. TCM sees this as an imbalance where the body isn't being nourished as it should be, impacting overall health and well-being.... see more

Blood Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Scanty Menstruation

Common Symptoms: Dizziness Amenorrhea Pale Lips Poor Memory Insomnia Tingling Blurry Vision Depression

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Blood Deficiency Scanty periods, hypomenorrhea, hypomenorrhoea, scanty menstruation, Dizziness, Amenorrhea, Dull shallow face, Pale lips, Poor memory, Insomnia Ren Shen Zi Xie Tang | Si Wu Tang
Qi and Blood Deficiency Menstruation decreases gratually, General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Reluctance to speak, Lack of appetite, Limb numbness, Skin numbness... see more Shi Quan Da Bu Tang | Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Gui Pi Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Scanty Menstruation

In treating scanty menstruation, TCM practitioners often prescribe specific formulas and herbs tailored to the patient's unique pattern. For Blood Deficiency, formulas such as Ren Shen Zi Xie Tang and Si Wu Tang, containing Ginseng and Prepared Rehmannia, are utilized to enhance blood nourishment. Addressing Yin Deficiency might involve the use of Dang Gui Di Huang Yin and Shi Quan Da Bu Tang, with key herbs like Dong quai and Milkvetch Roots, aimed at replenishing the body's Yin energy.

To combat Blood Stagnation, Tao Hong Si Wu Tang and Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang are often recommended, leveraging the blood-invigorating properties of Peach Kernels and Szechuan Lovage Roots.

For conditions like Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus, formulas like Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan and Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang, incorporating Coco-Grass Rhizomes and Dong quai, are prescribed to address phlegm and dampness within the body. These treatments are carefully selected based on individual diagnostic patterns, focusing on restoring the body's natural balance and alleviating symptoms associated with scanty menstruation.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address scanty menstruation, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Blood Deficiency
  • Blood Stasis
  • Yin Deficiency

All Formulas Recommended for Scanty Menstruation Caused by Blood Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Shi Quan Da Bu Tang Qi and Blood Deficiency
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang Qi and Blood Deficiency
Ren Shen Zi Xie Tang Blood Deficiency
Si Wu Tang Blood Deficiency
Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang Qi and Blood Deficiency
Gui Pi Tang Qi and Blood Deficiency

TCM Herbs for Scanty Menstruation

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address scanty menstruation, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
  • Herbs that invigorate the blood
  • Tonic herbs for qi deficiency

"Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency" recommended for scanty menstruation

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Human Placentas (Zi He Che) He Che Da Zao Wan
Cuscuta Seeds (Tu Si Zi) Yu Lin Zhu
Eucommia Bark (Du Zhong) Yu Lin Zhu
Desert-Living Cistanches (Rou Cong Rong) Not applicable

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