Sticky Menstrual Bloodaccording to TCM

What is Sticky Menstrual Blood?

Sticky menstrual blood refers to menstrual flow that is unusually viscous or adhesive in nature. This symptom is characterized by menstrual blood that is notably thicker and clings more than typical menstrual discharge. Such a consistency change can be indicative of underlying health conditions and is distinct from normal variations in menstrual fluid.

Synonyms for this symptom include adhesive menstrual flow, clinging menstrual discharge, and viscous period blood, each describing the unusual thickness and tackiness of the menstrual blood.

How does TCM view Sticky Menstrual Blood?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), sticky menstrual blood is seen as a symptom arising from imbalances within the body's natural systems. TCM does not view symptoms in isolation but as indicators of deeper disharmonies within the body's Qi (energy), Blood, and organ systems.

Sticky menstrual blood is often associated with patterns of disharmony such as Phlegm or Heat within the body, and TCM emphasizes identifying and treating these underlying causes rather than just the symptom itself.

Root Causes of Sticky Menstrual Blood in TCM

TCM identifies several patterns that might lead to sticky menstrual blood. One such pattern is Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus, where an accumulation of Dampness and Phlegm in the body leads to symptoms like sticky menstrual blood, abdominal heaviness, and fatigue. This pattern suggests an imbalance in the body's ability to manage fluids and can be associated with a general feeling of heaviness and sluggishness.

Another pattern is Heat in the Uterus Blood, where an excess of Heat affects the Blood, leading to sticky menstrual blood along with symptoms like flushed face, anger, and dark urine. This pattern indicates an internal Heat that disrupts the normal flow and consistency of menstrual blood. Both these patterns highlight the importance of understanding the unique characteristics of menstrual blood in TCM diagnosis and treatment.

Explore below more details about what might cause Sticky menstrual blood according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Phlegm
  • Heat
  • Dampness
Detailed description of the cause

Phlegm

In TCM "Phlegm" as a pattern of disharmony is a complex concept that extends beyond the physical manifestation of mucus. It represents a pathological factor that can disrupt the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to various health issues. Phlegm in TCM is seen as a sticky, turbid substance arising from the body's inability to metabolize fluids properly, often due to a dysfunction of the spleen. It's not only associated with respiratory problems like cough and congestion but also with systemic issues. Symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, mental cloudiness, dizziness, and in some cases, the formation of lumps or masses. Phlegm can even be "invisible," contributing to emotional disturbances like depression or stress. ... see more

Phlegm Patterns That Can Lead to Sticky Menstrual Blood

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus Sticky menstrual blood, Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Generalized fatigue, Diarrhea, Dull pale complexion, Obesity, Infertility, Ovarian cysts, Ovarian fibroids, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Pseudocyesis, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness... see more Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang | Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Sticky Menstrual Blood

In addressing sticky menstrual blood, TCM recommends specific formulas and herbs tailored to the underlying patterns. For Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus, formulas like Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang and Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang are prescribed. These formulas contain herbs such as Dong quai and Ginseng, which work to resolve Phlegm and tonify Blood and Qi respectively.

For the Heat pattern, formulas like Qing Re Gu Jing Tang and Huai Jiao Wan are used. They include herbs such as Baikal Skullcap Roots and Pagoda tree pods, known for their ability to clear Heat and stabilize the Blood. These treatments aim to restore balance by addressing the specific type of disharmony causing the symptom, reflecting TCM's holistic approach to health and wellness.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address sticky menstrual blood, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Phlegm
  • Heat
  • Dampness

All Formulas Recommended for Sticky Menstrual Blood Caused by Phlegm

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus

TCM Herbs for Sticky Menstrual Blood

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address sticky menstrual blood, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
  • Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
  • Herbs that cool the blood

"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for sticky menstrual blood

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) Gu Jing Wan
Dong Quai (Dang Gui) Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang

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