Menopausal Symptomsaccording to TCM
*redirected from Menopause syndrome
Symptom family: Menopausal Disorders
Sub-symptom(s): Menopausal Hot Flashes Menopause-Related Hypertension
What is Menopausal Symptoms?
Menopause marks the end of a woman's reproductive years, characterized by the cessation of menstruation. This transition, often occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, brings a range of physical and emotional symptoms due to hormonal changes. Commonly experienced symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and changes in libido.
These manifestations are broadly recognized as menopausal symptoms, encompassing a variety of sub-symptoms like menopausal hot flashes and menopause-related hypertension.
How does TCM view Menopausal Symptoms?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), menopausal symptoms are viewed through the lens of holistic balance and disharmony among the body's fundamental substances and energy channels. TCM doesn't merely categorize menopause as a phase of hormonal decline but sees it as a natural transition where imbalances in Yin, Yang, Qi, and Blood become pronounced.
This perspective emphasizes the importance of identifying the underlying patterns of disharmony unique to each individual, as effective treatment hinges on restoring balance and harmony within the body.
Root Causes of Menopausal Symptoms in TCM
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the root causes of menopausal symptoms are often traced back to imbalances such as Liver Yin Deficiency, Kidney Yin and Yang Deficiency, and Phlegm. Liver Yin Deficiency is characterized by symptoms like dry eyes, night sweats, and a brittle disposition, stemming from inadequate nourishment and moistening of the body's tissues.
Kidney Yin and Yang Deficiency highlights a deeper depletion, affecting the body's thermal regulation and energy foundation, leading to a mix of hot and cold sensations, fatigue, and back pain. Phlegm, as a pathological product of bodily dysfunction, can obscure the mind and lead to cognitive and emotional disturbances during menopause. Recognizing these patterns is crucial for addressing the multifaceted nature of menopausal transitions.
Explore below more details about what might cause Menopausal symptoms according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Yin Deficiency
- Yang Deficiency
- Phlegm
- View More Causes
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 Menopausal Symptoms
Common Symptoms: Dizziness Night Sweats Insomnia Blurry Vision Menopausal Hot Flashes Tinnitus Dry Throat Scanty Menstruation
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Liver Yin Deficiency | Menopausal, Dizziness, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Insomnia, Blurry vision, Eye floaters, Dry eyes, Night blindness, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Dull pale complexion, Flushed cheekbones, Muscle weakness, Muscle cramps, Withered and brittle nails, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Depression, Lack of direction, Night sweats, Vivid dreaming, Afternoon fever, Hot palms and soles, Preference for sipping... see more | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Bu Gan Tang | Suan Zao Ren Tang | Yi Guan Jian |
| Kidney Yin Deficiency | menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Menopausal hot flushes, Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Infertility, Premature ejaculation, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Anxiety, Heat sensation in palms, Evening heat sensation, Flushed cheekbones, Menopausal hot flashes, Preference for sipping, Evening anxiety... see more | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Zuo Gui Yin | Dang Gui Di Huang Yin | Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang | Zuo Gui Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan |
| Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency | menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Hot flushes, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache, Insomnia, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Dry throat, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Withered and brittle nails, Vaginal dryness, Night sweats, Dry stools, Nocturnal emission, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Late menstruation, Infertility... see more | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Zuo Gui Yin | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Gui Shao Di Huang Tang |
| Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang | menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Menopausal symptoms, Hot flushes, Hypertension, Irregular periods, Menopausal hot flashes, Excessive sweating, Irritability, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Palpitations, Frequent urination... see more | Er Xian Tang | Er Zhi Wan |
| Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys | menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Hot flushes, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Insomnia, Palpitations, Poor memory, Lower back pain, Knee pain, Night sweats, Constipation, Menopausal hot flashes... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Menopausal Symptoms
To address these foundational imbalances, TCM prescribes specific herbal formulas. For Liver Yin Deficiency, the use of Yi Guan Jian, rich in nourishing herbs like Rehmannia, aims to replenish liver and kidney yin, easing symptoms like dryness and mood instability.
Kidney Yin and Yang Deficiency benefits from Jia Wei Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, a modified formula that strengthens the kidneys, nourishes yin, and supports yang, providing a balanced approach to restoring energy levels and reducing night sweats. For the treatment of Phlegm, Wen Dan Tang is recommended to clear Phlegm-heat, which can manifest as emotional distress or mental fog. These formulas showcase TCM's targeted approach, aiming to correct specific disharmonies within the body.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address menopausal symptoms, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Yin Deficiency
- Yang Deficiency
- Phlegm
- View More Causes
Top Formula for Yin Deficiency:
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan
Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause menopausal symptoms, such as Liver Yin Deficiency or Kidney Yin Deficiency
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Menopausal Symptoms Caused by Yin Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Liver Yin Deficiency, Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency |
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys... see more |
| Zuo Gui Yin | Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency |
| Suan Zao Ren Tang | Liver Yin Deficiency |
| Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang | Kidney Yin Deficiency |
| Bu Gan Tang | Liver Yin Deficiency |
| Yi Guan Jian | Liver Yin Deficiency |
| Dang Gui Di Huang Yin | Kidney Yin Deficiency |
| Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San | Kidney Yin Deficiency |
| Zuo Gui Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency |
| Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency |
| Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan | Kidney Yin Deficiency |
| Er Xian Tang | Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang |
| Er Zhi Wan | Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang |
| Gui Shao Di Huang Tang | Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency |
| Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys |
Acupoints for Menopausal Symptoms
TCM also employs acupuncture to directly address menopausal symptoms, targeting points that correspond to the underlying patterns of imbalance. For Liver Yin Deficiency, Xingjian (LIV-2) and Taichong (LIV-3) help soothe Liver Qi and nourish Yin, mitigating irritability and heat sensations. To support Kidney Yin and Yang, Shenshu (BL-23) and Mingmen (DU-4) are vital points for strengthening the kidney's foundational energy.
For issues related to Phlegm, Fenglong (ST-40) is essential for clearing Phlegm and facilitating mental clarity. Through these specific points, acupuncture seeks to restore equilibrium and alleviate the diverse symptoms experienced during menopause, embodying TCM's holistic approach to health and well-being.
See more details below about Yinjiao REN-7, an acupoint used to address menopausal symptoms.
- By Meridian
- Directing Vessel
