Early Menstruationaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Irregular or Abnormal Menstrual and Uterine Bleeding
Parent symptom: Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Did you mean? Sudden Period Before Schedule
What is Early Menstruation?
Early menstruation refers to menstrual cycles that occur earlier than the expected 28-day cycle. This condition, also known as advanced menstruation, premature menstruation, or precocious periods, signifies a variation from the normal menstrual cycle where periods arrive ahead of schedule.
How Does TCM View Early Menstruation?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, early menstruation is often viewed through the lens of energy (Qi) and blood balance within the body. Unlike Western medicine which focuses on hormonal imbalances or physiological abnormalities, TCM interprets early menstruation as a symptom of underlying imbalances in the body's natural energy systems. It is believed that disharmony in these systems, often caused by factors such as stress, diet, and lifestyle, can lead to menstrual irregularities.
Root Causes of Early Menstruation in TCM
TCM attributes early menstruation to several potential causes, the most common being Qi Deficiency and Heat in the Blood. Qi Deficiency, particularly of the Spleen or Kidney, can lead to weakened control over the blood, resulting in early menstruation. Symptoms include pale menstrual flow, dizziness, and lower back pain.
On the other hand, Heat in the Blood can cause blood to move recklessly, leading to early periods. This is often characterized by symptoms like feeling hot, skin eruptions, and frequent bleeding.
Explore below more details about what might cause Early menstruation according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Qi Deficiency
- Heat
- Kidney
- Spleen
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 Early Menstruation
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency | Early periods, advanced menstruation, advanced periods, early menstruation, menstruation ahead of schedule, periods ahead of schedule, Pale menstrual flow, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Chills, Nocturia, Thin menstrual blood, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Spontaneous sweat, Generalized fatigue... see more | Gui Pi Tang | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | He Che Da Zao Wan |
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 Early Menstruation
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Heat in the Blood | Early periods, advanced menstruation, advanced periods, early menstruation, menstruation ahead of schedule, periods ahead of schedule, Feeling hot, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia, Hematuria, Vomiting blood, Hemoptysis, Nosebleeds, Excessive menstruation... see more | Qing Jing San | Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Liang Di Tang | Di Gu Pi Yin |
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 Early Menstruation
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency | Early periods, advanced menstruation, advanced periods, early menstruation, menstruation ahead of schedule, periods ahead of schedule, Pale menstrual flow, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Chills, Nocturia, Thin menstrual blood, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Spontaneous sweat, Generalized fatigue... see more | Gui Pi Tang | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | He Che Da Zao Wan |
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 Early Menstruation
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency | Early periods, advanced menstruation, advanced periods, early menstruation, menstruation ahead of schedule, periods ahead of schedule, Pale menstrual flow, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Chills, Nocturia, Thin menstrual blood, 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 Early Menstruation
In addressing early menstruation, TCM practitioners often prescribe formulas based on the identified underlying pattern. For Qi Deficiency, formulas like Gui Pi Tang, which tonifies Qi and Blood, and Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, known for strengthening Qi, are commonly used.
For Heat in the Blood, cooling formulas like Qing Jing San and Long Dan Xie Gan Tang are recommended. These formulas contain herbs like Goji Tree Root Bark and Chinese Gentian, respectively, known for their blood-cooling properties.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address early menstruation, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Qi 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 clear blood-Heat
- Formulas that clear heat from the organs
- Formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen
Top Formula for Qi Deficiency:
Gui Pi Tang
Suitable for Qi Deficiency patterns that may cause early menstruation, such as Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Early Menstruation Caused by Qi Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Gui Pi Tang | Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency |
| Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency |
| He Che Da Zao Wan | Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency |
Top Formula for Heat:
Qing Jing San
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause early menstruation, such as Heat in the Blood
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Early Menstruation Caused by Heat
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Qing Jing San | Heat in the Blood |
| Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Heat in the Blood |
| Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Heat in the Blood |
| Liang Di Tang | Heat in the Blood |
| Di Gu Pi Yin | Heat in the Blood |
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some early menstruation-causing patterns like Heat in the Blood.
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.
All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for early menstruation
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Liang Di Tang | Heat in the Blood |
| Di Gu Pi Yin | Heat in the Blood |
Formulas that tonify Qi and Blood
These formulas are suitable for some early menstruation-causing patterns like Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency.
One such formula is Gui Pi Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Qi
These formulas are suitable for some early menstruation-causing patterns like Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency.
One such formula is Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Yin and Yang
These formulas are suitable for some early menstruation-causing patterns like Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency.
One such formula is He Che Da Zao Wan, with human placenta as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Blood-Heat
These formulas are suitable for some early menstruation-causing patterns like Heat in the Blood.
One such formula is Qing Jing San, with goji tree root-bark as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs
These formulas are suitable for some early menstruation-causing patterns like Heat in the Blood.
One such formula is Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, with chinese gentian as a key herb.
Formulas that harmonize Liver-Spleen
These formulas are suitable for some early menstruation-causing patterns like Heat in the Blood.
One such formula is Jia Wei Xiao Yao San, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Early Menstruation
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address early menstruation, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Early menstruation 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 early menstruation, like Gui Pi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for early menstruation
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Gui Pi Tang | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang |
| Ginseng (Ren Shen) | Gui Pi Tang |
| Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu) | Gui Pi Tang |
| Liquorice (Gan Cao) | Gui Pi Tang |
Herbs that cool the Blood
Early menstruation 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 early menstruation, like Qing Jing San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that cool the Blood" recommended for early menstruation
| 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 |
Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency
Early menstruation 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 early menstruation, like He Che Da Zao Wan.
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Early menstruation 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 early menstruation, like Long Dan Xie Gan Tang.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Early menstruation 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 early menstruation, like Jia Wei Xiao Yao San.