Perimenstrual Feversaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Fever and Temperature-Related Conditions
Parent symptom: Fever
What is perimenstrual fevers?
Perimenstrual fevers refer to a rise in body temperature that occurs around the time of menstruation. These fevers can manifest before, during, or after the menstrual period and are often accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and general discomfort. This condition, known as perimenstrual fevers, is a specific form of fever that is closely linked to the menstrual cycle, causing notable fluctuations in temperature and discomfort for some women.
How does TCM view perimenstrual fevers?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), perimenstrual fevers are seen as a result of various patterns of disharmony within the body. Unlike Western medicine, which might attribute these fevers to hormonal changes or infections, TCM looks at the broader picture of body imbalances. Symptoms are believed to arise from disruptions in the flow of Qi (vital energy), Blood, and other bodily substances. Identifying the specific pattern of disharmony is crucial for effective treatment, as TCM approaches are tailored to address these underlying imbalances.
Causes of perimenstrual fevers according to TCM
One common cause of perimenstrual fevers in TCM is Blood Deficiency. This pattern is characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, pale complexion, and a feeling of heat during the menstrual period. Blood Deficiency leads to insufficient nourishment of the body’s systems, causing the feverish sensation.
Another significant cause is the pattern known as Lesser Yang stage disorder according to the 6 Stage Theory of Zhang Zhong Jing. This pattern involves alternating chills and fever, bitter taste in the mouth, dry throat, and dizziness. It is indicative of an imbalance between the interior and exterior aspects of the body, often occurring around the time of menstruation.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Perimenstrual Fevers
To address Blood Deficiency, the formula Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang is often recommended. This formula includes Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), which is known for its ability to tonify Blood and support Qi,the body’s energy, helping to alleviate the symptoms associated with Blood Deficiency and reduce fever.
For the Lesser Yang stage disorder, Xiao Chai Hu Tang is commonly used. This formula contains Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), which helps to harmonize the interior and exterior of the body, clear heat, and resolve Phlegm-Fluids, thus addressing the underlying causes of the fever and promoting overall balance.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address perimenstrual fevers, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that tonify blood
- Formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders
Formulas that tonify Blood
Perimenstrual fevers can be treated by these formulas when it is due to blood deficiency, requiring blood-nourishing and enriching actions.
One such formula is Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Formulas that harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders
Perimenstrual fevers can be treated by these formulas in cases of imbalances in the lesser Yang (Shao Yang) phase, which often involve alternating hot and cold sensations.
One such formula is Xiao Chai Hu Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Perimenstrual Fevers
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address perimenstrual fevers, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Perimenstrual fevers 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 perimenstrual fevers, like Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Perimenstrual fevers can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for perimenstrual fevers, like Xiao Chai Hu Tang.