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
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
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 |
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
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 |