Thin Menstrual Bloodaccording to TCM

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What is Thin Menstrual Blood?

Thin menstrual blood, characterized by a lighter and more watery consistency than normal, is a variation in menstrual flow. This symptom, also known as light menstrual bleeding or watery menstrual flow, indicates a departure from the typical texture and density of menstrual blood.

It's important to differentiate this from scanty menstruation, which refers to a reduced quantity, whereas thin menstrual blood pertains more to the quality and constitution of the blood.

How does TCM view Thin Menstrual Blood?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches thin menstrual blood as a symptom indicative of underlying imbalances within the body’s systemic harmony. Unlike Western medicine that often focuses on the symptom in isolation, TCM considers thin menstrual blood as a signal of deeper disharmonies in the body's energies or Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang.

This perspective underscores the necessity of identifying the root cause of the imbalance, which could stem from Qi Deficiency, Yin Deficiency, Yang Deficiency, or Heat, to effectively treat the symptom.

Root Causes of Thin Menstrual Blood in TCM

In TCM, several patterns are identified as potential causes of thin menstrual blood. Qi Deficiency, particularly Spleen and Kidney Qi Deficiency, may manifest with symptoms like pale menstrual flow and prolonged periods, indicating a lack of vital energy to support blood's normal density. Qi Deficiency alone, characterized by generalized weakness and fatigue, could also lead to this symptom.

Yin Deficiency, particularly Kidney Yin Deficiency, often presents with a pale menstrual flow and accompanying symptoms like back pain and dizziness, suggesting an imbalance in the body's nourishing and cooling aspect.

Yang Deficiency, specifically Kidney Yang Deficiency, with symptoms like cold knees and lower back pain, indicates a lack of warming and activating energy, which could result in a thin and watery menstrual flow.

Lastly, Heat patterns, particularly Heat in the Blood, can manifest as thin and watery periods, accompanied by symptoms like red skin eruptions and a feeling of heat, suggesting an excess of heat in the body affecting the blood's quality.

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

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Qi Deficiency
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Yang Deficiency
  • Blood Deficiency
  • Heat
  • Kidney
  • Spleen
Detailed description of the cause

Qi Deficiency

Qi Deficiency in TCM is like running low on battery power. Qi is the vital energy that powers every function in your body. When there's a Qi Deficiency, it means your body doesn't have enough of this essential energy. This can make you feel tired all the time, weak, or even cause shortness of breath. It's similar to how you feel when you haven't had enough sleep or nutritious food. Your body just doesn't have the energy it needs to perform at its best. Unlike modern medicine, which often focuses on specific physical causes for fatigue and weakness, TCM views Qi Deficiency as an overall energy depletion that affects your entire well-being, and it seeks to replenish and balance this vital energy.... see more

Qi Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Thin Menstrual Blood

Common Symptoms: Pale Menstrual Flow Shortness Of Breath Palpitations Dizziness Spontaneous Sweat Generalized Fatigue General Weakness Lack Of Appetite

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Spleen and Kidney Qi Deficiency Thin menstrual blood, Excessive menstruation, Pale menstrual flow, Prolonged menstrual periods, Shortness of breath, Palpitations... see more Gu Chong Tang
Qi Deficiency Thin and watery periods, General weakness, Weak voice, Generalized fatigue, Low energy, Reluctance to speak, Spontaneous sweat, Frequent colds or flu, Lack of appetite, Diarrhea, Shortness of breath... see more Gui Pi Tang | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Gu Ben Zhi Beng Tang | Ju Yuan Jian
Qi and Blood Deficiency Thin and watery periods, 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 Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang | Sheng Yu Tang
Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency Thin menstrual blood, Early menstruation, Pale menstrual flow, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Chills, Nocturia, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Spontaneous sweat, Generalized fatigue... see more Gui Pi Tang | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | He Che Da Zao Wan
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 Thin Menstrual Blood

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney-Deficiency Thin and watery periods, Scanty menstruation, Pale menstrual flow, Back pain, Knee pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Frequent urination, Late menstruation, Chills, Cold extremities... see more Liang Di Tang | You Gui Wan | Zuo Gui Wan | Er Zhi Wan
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 Thin Menstrual Blood

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yang Deficiency Thin and watery periods, 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 Er Xian Tang
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 Thin Menstrual Blood

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Qi and Blood Deficiency Thin and watery periods, 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 Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang | Sheng Yu Tang
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 Thin Menstrual Blood

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heat in the Blood Thin and watery periods, Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia, Hematuria, Vomiting blood, Cough of blood, Nosebleeds, Excessive menstruation... see more Qing Jing San | Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Liang Di Tang | Di Gu Pi Yin
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 Thin Menstrual Blood

Common Symptoms: Pale Menstrual Flow Dizziness Chills Pale Face Lower Back Pain Nocturia Shortness Of Breath Palpitations

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Spleen and Kidney Qi Deficiency Thin menstrual blood, Excessive menstruation, Pale menstrual flow, Prolonged menstrual periods, Shortness of breath, Palpitations... see more Gu Chong Tang
Kidney Yang Deficiency Thin and watery periods, 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 Er Xian Tang
Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency Thin menstrual blood, Early menstruation, Pale menstrual flow, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Chills, Nocturia, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Spontaneous sweat, Generalized fatigue... see more Gui Pi Tang | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | He Che Da Zao Wan
Kidney-Deficiency Thin and watery periods, Scanty menstruation, Pale menstrual flow, Back pain, Knee pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Frequent urination, Late menstruation, Chills, Cold extremities... see more Liang Di Tang | You Gui Wan | Zuo Gui Wan | Er Zhi Wan
Detailed description of the cause

Spleen

In TCM the Spleen plays a vital role in digestion and transformation, converting food into energy and nutrients, and overseeing the distribution of Qi and Blood. It's also crucial in maintaining the health of muscles and limbs and ensuring the blood remains within the vessels. When the Spleen malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a variety of issues such as digestive disorders, fatigue, weak muscles, bloating, and a feeling of heaviness. It can also cause a pale complexion, poor appetite, and a tendency to bruise easily. Emotionally, a Spleen imbalance is often associated with excessive worry or overthinking, reflecting its role in the interplay between physical and mental health.... see more

Spleen Patterns That Can Lead to Thin Menstrual Blood

Common Symptoms: Pale Menstrual Flow Shortness Of Breath Palpitations Early Menstruation Lower Back Pain Dizziness Chills Nocturia

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Spleen and Kidney Qi Deficiency Thin menstrual blood, Excessive menstruation, Pale menstrual flow, Prolonged menstrual periods, Shortness of breath, Palpitations... see more Gu Chong Tang
Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency Thin menstrual blood, Early menstruation, Pale menstrual flow, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Chills, Nocturia, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Spontaneous sweat, Generalized fatigue... see more Gui Pi Tang | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | He Che Da Zao Wan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Thin Menstrual Blood

To address these underlying patterns, TCM recommends various formulas and herbs. For Qi Deficiency, Gu Chong Tang and Gui Pi Tang are prescribed to strengthen the Qi and stabilize the menstrual blood. Liang Di Tang and You Gui Wan are suggested for Yin Deficiency to nourish Yin and enrich the blood.

For Yang Deficiency, Er Xian Tang is used to tonify Yang and warm the body. To clear Heat, especially from the Blood, Qing Jing San and Long Dan Xie Gan Tang are recommended. These formulas contain key herbs like Cornelian Cherries, Ginseng, and Chinese Gentian, each selected to target specific imbalances contributing to thin menstrual blood. The treatment goal in TCM is not just to address the symptom but to restore overall balance and harmony within the body.

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Qi Deficiency
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Yang Deficiency
  • Blood Deficiency
  • Heat
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • Formulas that tonify qi and blood
  • Formulas that tonify qi
  • Formulas that tonify yin and yang
  • Formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge
  • Formulas that clear blood-Heat
  • Formulas that clear heat from the organs
  • Formulas that warm yang and tonify
  • Formulas that tonify
  • Formulas that tonify blood

All Formulas Recommended for Thin Menstrual Blood Caused by Qi Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Gui Pi Tang Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency, Qi Deficiency
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency, Qi Deficiency
He Che Da Zao Wan Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency
Gu Chong Tang Spleen and Kidney Qi Deficiency
Gu Ben Zhi Beng Tang Qi Deficiency
Ju Yuan Jian Qi Deficiency
Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang Qi and Blood Deficiency
Sheng Yu Tang Qi and Blood Deficiency

All Formulas Recommended for Thin Menstrual Blood Caused by Yin Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Liang Di Tang Kidney-Deficiency
You Gui Wan Kidney-Deficiency
Zuo Gui Wan Kidney-Deficiency
Er Zhi Wan Kidney-Deficiency

All Formulas Recommended for Thin Menstrual Blood Caused by Blood Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang Qi and Blood Deficiency
Sheng Yu Tang Qi and Blood Deficiency

All Formulas Recommended for Thin Menstrual Blood Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Liang Di Tang Heat in the Blood
Qing Jing San Heat in the Blood
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang Heat in the Blood
Di Gu Pi Yin Heat in the Blood

All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for thin menstrual blood

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Liang Di Tang Heat in the Blood, Kidney-Deficiency
Di Gu Pi Yin Heat in the Blood
Zuo Gui Wan Kidney-Deficiency
Er Zhi Wan Kidney-Deficiency

All "formulas that tonify qi and blood" recommended for thin menstrual blood

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Gui Pi Tang Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency, Qi Deficiency
Gu Ben Zhi Beng Tang Qi Deficiency

All "formulas that tonify qi" recommended for thin menstrual blood

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency, Qi Deficiency
Ju Yuan Jian Qi Deficiency

All "formulas that tonify yin and yang" recommended for thin menstrual blood

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
He Che Da Zao Wan Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency
Er Xian Tang Kidney Yang Deficiency

TCM Herbs for Thin Menstrual Blood

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

  • By Herb Category
  • Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
  • Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
  • Herbs that cool the blood
  • Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
  • Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
  • Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
  • Herbs that stabilize and bind
  • Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
  • Herbs that invigorate the blood

"Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency" recommended for thin menstrual blood

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

"Herbs that cool the Blood" recommended for thin menstrual blood

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Goji Tree Root Bark (Di Gu Pi) Qing Jing San | Di Gu Pi Yin
Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang) Liang Di Tang

"Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold" recommended for thin menstrual blood

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) You Gui Wan
Cinnamon Bark (Rou Gui) You Gui Wan

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

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) Zuo Gui Wan | Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang
Dong Quai (Dang Gui) Sheng Yu Tang

"Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency" recommended for thin menstrual blood

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