Sticky Menstrual Bloodaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Abnormal Menstrual Flow, Texture or Color
Did you mean? Thick Menstrual Blood
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
- Uterus
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 |
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 Sticky Menstrual Blood
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Heat in Uterus Blood | Sticky menstrual blood, Excessive menstruation, Sudden period before schedule, Dark menstrual blood, Thirst, Flushed face, Anger, Anxiety, Dark urine, Constipation... see more | Qing Re Gu Jing Tang | Huai Jiao Wan | Gu Jing Wan |
Dampness
"Dampness" in TCM is a concept that describes a pattern of disharmony where the body accumulates excess moisture. Imagine the heavy, sticky feeling you get on a very humid day; that's similar to what dampness feels like internally. It can manifest as a sense of heaviness, bloating, sluggishness, or even a foggy mind. This condition is often thought to arise from environmental factors like living in a damp place, dietary habits that promote moisture in the body, or internal imbalances that hinder the body's ability to process fluids properly. In TCM, dampness can obstruct the normal flow of energy and fluids in the body, leading to various symptoms.... see more
Dampness 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 |
Uterus
In TCM the Uterus (or "Bao Gong") is not just a reproductive organ but a vital system closely linked to Kidney energy, responsible for menstrual health, fertility, and pregnancy. It's also connected to the Heart and Liver, reflecting the importance of emotional and blood health in reproductive wellness. In TCM, the Uterus is seen as a reservoir of Blood and Qi, crucial for reproductive health and general vitality. When the Uterus malfunctions or is imbalanced, it can lead to menstrual irregularities, infertility, miscarriages, or menopausal symptoms. Additionally, there might be symptoms like lower abdominal pain or emotional disturbances such as mood swings, often linked to Liver Qi stagnation. These manifestations highlight the TCM perspective that the health of the Uterus is intertwined with the overall balance of energy and blood in the body, as well as emotional well-being.... see more
Uterus Patterns That Can Lead to Sticky Menstrual Blood
Common Symptoms: Thick Menstrual Blood Excessive Menstruation Sudden Period Before Schedule Dark Menstrual Blood Thirst Flushed Face Anger Anxiety
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Heat in Uterus Blood | Sticky menstrual blood, Excessive menstruation, Sudden period before schedule, Dark menstrual blood, Thirst, Flushed face, Anger, Anxiety, Dark urine, Constipation... see more | Qing Re Gu Jing Tang | Huai Jiao Wan | Gu Jing Wan |
| 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
- Formulas that clear heat from deficiency
- Formulas that stop bleeding
- Formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge
- Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
- Formulas that dispel phlegm
Top Formula for Phlegm:
Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang
Suitable for Phlegm patterns that may cause sticky menstrual blood, such as Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Learn moreAll 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 |
Top Formula for Heat:
Qing Re Gu Jing Tang
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause sticky menstrual blood, such as Heat in Uterus Blood
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Sticky Menstrual Blood Caused by Heat
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Qing Re Gu Jing Tang | Heat in Uterus Blood |
| Huai Jiao Wan | Heat in Uterus Blood |
| Gu Jing Wan | Heat in Uterus Blood |
Top Formula for Dampness:
Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang
Suitable for Dampness patterns that may cause sticky menstrual blood, such as Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Sticky Menstrual Blood Caused by Dampness
| 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 |
Formulas that clear Heat from Deficiency
These formulas are suitable for some sticky menstrual blood-causing patterns like Heat in Uterus Blood.
One such formula is Qing Re Gu Jing Tang, with baikal skullcap root as a key herb.
Formulas that stop bleeding
These formulas are suitable for some sticky menstrual blood-causing patterns like Heat in Uterus Blood.
One such formula is Huai Jiao Wan, with pagoda tree pods as a key herb.
Formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge
These formulas are suitable for some sticky menstrual blood-causing patterns like Heat in Uterus Blood.
One such formula is Gu Jing Wan, with tortoise plastron as a key herb.
Formulas that dry Dampness and transform Phlegm
These formulas are suitable for some sticky menstrual blood-causing patterns like Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus.
One such formula is Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang, with dong quai as a key herb.
Formulas that dispel Phlegm
These formulas are suitable for some sticky menstrual blood-causing patterns like Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus.
One such formula is Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
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
- Herbs that stop bleeding
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Sticky menstrual blood can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is White Peony Roots (Bai Shao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for sticky menstrual blood, like Gu Jing Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"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 |
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Sticky menstrual blood can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin), a key herb in some formulas recommended for sticky menstrual blood, like Qing Re Gu Jing Tang.
Herbs that cool the Blood
Sticky menstrual blood can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.
One such herb is Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for sticky menstrual blood, like Qing Re Gu Jing Tang.
Herbs that stop bleeding
Sticky menstrual blood can be treated by these herbs in cases where it is due to internal or external bleeding, working to stabilize and constrict blood flow.
One such herb is Pagoda Tree Pods (Huai jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for sticky menstrual blood, like Huai Jiao Wan.
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Sticky menstrual blood can be treated by these herbs when caused by a lack of Yin, which is essential for cooling and moistening the body, thereby restoring balance.
One such herb is Tortoise Plastrons (Gui Ban), a key herb in some formulas recommended for sticky menstrual blood, like Gu Jing Wan.
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Sticky menstrual blood can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong), a key herb in some formulas recommended for sticky menstrual blood, like Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang.
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Sticky menstrual blood can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Ginseng (Ren Shen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for sticky menstrual blood, like Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang.