Thick Menstrual Bloodaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Excessive or Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Did you mean? Excessive Menstruation
What is Thick Menstrual Blood?
Thick menstrual blood refers to a condition where the blood discharged during menstruation is unusually dense or heavy in consistency. This can be accompanied by larger-than-normal blood clots. While some variation in menstrual blood consistency is normal, notably thick blood can sometimes indicate underlying health issues.
Women experiencing this symptom may also notice changes in their menstrual cycle, such as irregularities in flow or duration. Understanding the nature of menstrual blood is important, as it can provide insights into a woman's overall reproductive health.
How Does TCM View Thick Menstrual Blood?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique perspective on thick menstrual blood, viewing it as a symptom of underlying imbalances within the body's systems. Unlike Western medicine, which tends to focus on the physical characteristics of menstrual blood, TCM considers thick menstrual blood as an indicator of disharmony in the body's energy flow, specifically involving Qi (vital energy), Blood, and the balance of Yin and Yang.
TCM stresses the importance of identifying the specific pattern of disharmony causing the symptom, as effective treatment depends on addressing these underlying causes.
Root Causes of Thick Menstrual Blood in TCM
In TCM, thick menstrual blood is often attributed to patterns such as Heat in the Blood or Damp-Heat. Heat in the Blood can cause the blood to become thick and sticky, leading to symptoms like a feeling of heat, thirst, and red skin eruptions.
Damp-Heat, another pattern, involves an excess of heat and moisture in the body, which can also manifest as thick menstrual blood, along with symptoms like fever, headaches, and a feeling of heaviness. These patterns illustrate the holistic approach of TCM, where physical symptoms are seen as reflections of deeper imbalances in the body's energy system.
Explore below more details about what might cause Thick menstrual blood according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Heat
- Dampness
- Phlegm
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 Thick Menstrual Blood
Common Symptoms: Feeling Of Heat Thirst Excessive Menstruation Restlessness Hematuria Fever Anxiety Dry Mouth
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Heat in the Blood | Thick menstrual blood, 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 |
| Heat in Uterus Blood | Thick menstrual blood, Excessive menstruation, Sudden period before schedule, Dark menstrual blood, Sticky menstrual blood, Thirst, Flushed face, Anger, Anxiety, Dark urine, Constipation... see more | Huai Jiao Wan |
| Damp-Heat | Thick menstrual blood, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Feeling of heat, Feeling of heaviness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Acne... see more | Er Miao San | Xiao Yao San | Qing Re Tiao Xue Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Thick Menstrual Blood
To address thick menstrual blood, TCM practitioners may recommend specific formulas and herbs based on the identified pattern of disharmony. For Heat in the Blood, a formula like Qing Jing San, containing Goji Tree Root Bark (Di Gu Pi), can be effective in cooling the Blood.
In cases of Damp-Heat, Er Miao San, with ingredients like Phellodendron bark (Huang Bo), is used to expel dampness and clear heat. These treatments are tailored to the individual's unique pattern of disharmony, aiming to restore the natural balance within the body and alleviate the symptoms associated with thick menstrual blood. The selection of herbs and formulas in TCM is highly individualized, reflecting each patient's specific needs and conditions.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address thick menstrual blood, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Heat
- Dampness
- Phlegm
Top Formula for Heat:
Qing Jing San
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause thick menstrual blood, such as Heat in the Blood
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Thick Menstrual Blood Caused by Heat
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Qing Jing San | Heat in the Blood |
| Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Heat in the Blood |
| Liang Di Tang | Heat in the Blood |
| Di Gu Pi Yin | Heat in the Blood |
| Huai Jiao Wan | Heat in Uterus Blood |
| Er Miao San | Damp-Heat |
| Xiao Yao San | Damp-Heat |
| Qing Re Tiao Xue Tang | Damp-Heat |
TCM Herbs for Thick Menstrual Blood
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address thick menstrual blood, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Herbs that stop bleeding
Herbs that cool the Blood
Thick 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 thick menstrual blood, like Qing Jing San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that cool the Blood" recommended for thick 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 | Qing Re Tiao Xue Tang |
| Mudan Peony Bark (Mu Dan Pi) | Qing Re Tiao Xue Tang |