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Symptom family: Abnormal Menstrual Flow, Texture or Color
Did you mean? Scanty Menstruation
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.
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.
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.
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
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 |
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
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 |
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
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 |
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
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 |
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
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 |
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
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 |
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
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 |
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.
Suitable for Qi Deficiency patterns that may cause thin menstrual blood, such as Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency or Qi Deficiency
Learn moreFormula | 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 |
Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause thin menstrual blood, such as Kidney-Deficiency
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Liang Di Tang | Kidney-Deficiency |
You Gui Wan | Kidney-Deficiency |
Zuo Gui Wan | Kidney-Deficiency |
Er Zhi Wan | Kidney-Deficiency |
Suitable for Yang Deficiency patterns that may cause thin menstrual blood, such as Kidney Yang Deficiency
Learn moreSuitable for Blood Deficiency patterns that may cause thin menstrual blood, such as Qi and Blood Deficiency
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
Sheng Yu Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause thin menstrual blood, such as Heat in the Blood
Learn moreFormula | 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 |
These formulas are suitable for some thin menstrual blood-causing patterns like Heat in the Blood or Kidney-Deficiency.
One such formula is Liang Di Tang, with unprepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
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 |
These formulas are suitable for some thin menstrual blood-causing patterns like Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency or Qi Deficiency.
One such formula is Gui Pi Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Gui Pi Tang | Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency, Qi Deficiency |
Gu Ben Zhi Beng Tang | Qi Deficiency |
These formulas are suitable for some thin menstrual blood-causing patterns like Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency or Qi Deficiency.
One such formula is Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency, Qi Deficiency |
Ju Yuan Jian | Qi Deficiency |
These formulas are suitable for some thin menstrual blood-causing patterns like Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency.
One such formula is He Che Da Zao Wan, with human placenta as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
He Che Da Zao Wan | Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency |
Er Xian Tang | Kidney Yang Deficiency |
These formulas are suitable for some thin menstrual blood-causing patterns like Spleen and Kidney Qi Deficiency.
One such formula is Gu Chong Tang, with cornelian cherries as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some thin menstrual blood-causing patterns like Heat in the Blood.
One such formula is Qing Jing San, with goji tree root-bark as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some thin menstrual blood-causing patterns like Heat in the Blood.
One such formula is Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, with chinese gentian as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some thin menstrual blood-causing patterns like Kidney-Deficiency.
One such formula is You Gui Wan, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some thin menstrual blood-causing patterns like Qi and Blood Deficiency.
One such formula is Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang, with motherwort herb as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some thin menstrual blood-causing patterns like Qi and Blood Deficiency.
One such formula is Sheng Yu Tang, with dong quai as a key herb.
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address thin menstrual blood, organized by herb category.
Thin 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 Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for thin menstrual blood, like Gui Pi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Gui Pi Tang | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Gu Ben Zhi Beng Tang | Ju Yuan Jian |
Ginseng (Ren Shen) | Gui Pi Tang | Gu Ben Zhi Beng Tang | Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang |
Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu) | Gui Pi Tang | Gu Ben Zhi Beng Tang |
Liquorice (Gan Cao) | Gui Pi Tang |
Thin menstrual blood can be treated by these herbs in situations of diminished Yang energy, aiming to warm and activate the body's functions.
One such herb is Human Placentas (Zi He Che), a key herb in some formulas recommended for thin menstrual blood, like He Che Da Zao Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
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 |
Thin 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 Goji Tree Root Bark (Di Gu Pi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for thin menstrual blood, like Qing Jing San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
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 |
Thin menstrual blood can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for thin menstrual blood, like You Gui Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) | You Gui Wan |
Cinnamon Bark (Rou Gui) | You Gui Wan |
Thin 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 Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for thin menstrual blood, like Zuo Gui Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
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 |
Thin 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 Glossy Privet Fruits (Nu Zhen Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for thin menstrual blood, like Er Zhi Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Glossy Privet Fruits (Nu Zhen Zi) | Er Zhi Wan |
Eclipta Herbs (Mo han lian) | Er Zhi Wan |
Thin menstrual blood can be treated by these herbs if it is caused by a leakage of bodily fluids or energies, helping to consolidate and preserve the body's essential substances.
One such herb is Cornelian Cherries (Shan Zhu Yu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for thin menstrual blood, like Gu Chong Tang.
Thin 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 Chinese Gentian (Long Dan Cao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for thin menstrual blood, like Long Dan Xie Gan Tang.
Thin 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 Motherwort Herbs (Yi Mu Cao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for thin menstrual blood, like Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang.