Menopausal Symptoms in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different menopausal symptoms patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
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.
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.
TCM Patterns for Menopausal Symptoms
Yin Deficiency
Causes: Menopausal, menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Menopausal hot flushes, Hot flushes, Menopausal symptoms
Liver Yin Deficiency
Menopausal
Along with: 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
Kidney Yin Deficiency
menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Menopausal hot flushes
Along with: 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
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Hot flushes
Along with: 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, Melasma
Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang
menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Menopausal symptoms, Hot flushes
Along with: Hypertension, Irregular periods, Menopausal hot flashes, Excessive sweating, Irritability, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Palpitations, Frequent urination
Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys
menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Hot flushes
Along with: Dizziness, Tinnitus, Insomnia, Palpitations, Poor memory, Lower back pain, Knee pain, Night sweats, Constipation, Menopausal hot flashes
Yang Deficiency
Causes: menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Hot flushes, Menopausal symptoms
Kidney Yang Deficiency
menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Hot flushes
Along with: 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
Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang
menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Menopausal symptoms, Hot flushes
Along with: Hypertension, Irregular periods, Menopausal hot flashes, Excessive sweating, Irritability, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Palpitations, Frequent urination
Phlegm
Causes: menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome
Phlegm
menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome
Along with: Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Qi Stagnation
Causes: menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Hot flushes
Qi And Blood Stagnation
menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Hot flushes
Along with: Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression, Mottled skin, Foot edema, Abdominal masses, Melena black tarry stool, Menstrual cramps, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods, Melasma
Blood Stasis
Causes: menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Hot flushes
Qi And Blood Stagnation
menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Hot flushes
Along with: Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression, Mottled skin, Foot edema, Abdominal masses, Melena black tarry stool, Menstrual cramps, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods, Melasma
Blood Deficiency
Causes: Menopausal syndrome
Heart Blood Deficiency
Menopausal syndrome
Along with: Easily startled, Vivid dreaming, Hysteria, Neurasthenia
Heat
Causes: menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Hot flushes
Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys
menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Hot flushes
Along with: Dizziness, Tinnitus, Insomnia, Palpitations, Poor memory, Lower back pain, Knee pain, Night sweats, Constipation, Menopausal hot flashes
Herbal Formulas for Menopausal Symptoms
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address menopausal symptoms
Suan Zao Ren Tang
Addresses these menopausal symptoms patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Blood
- Calms the Mind and eliminates irritability
- Clears Heat
Addresses These Menopausal Symptoms Pattern Variations
Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Menopausal
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Insomnia, Blurry vision, Eye floaters...
Heart Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Menopausal syndrome
Accompanying symptoms:
Easily startled, Vivid dreaming, Hysteria, Neurasthenia
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
Addresses these menopausal symptoms patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates Blood
- Eliminates Blood Stagnation below the diaphragm
- Stops pain
- Promotes Qi movement
Addresses These Menopausal Symptoms Pattern Variations
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Hot flushes
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang
Addresses these menopausal symptoms patterns:
Main Actions
- Reinforces and strengthens Heart Qi
- Calms the Mind
- Nourishes and moistens the Heart Blood
- Tonifies the Kidney Yin
Addresses These Menopausal Symptoms Pattern Variations
Heart Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Menopausal syndrome
Accompanying symptoms:
Easily startled, Vivid dreaming, Hysteria, Neurasthenia
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Menopausal hot flushes
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...
Er Xian Tang
Addresses these menopausal symptoms patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Yin and tonifies Yang of the Kidneys
- Clears Empty Heat
- Regulates the Directing and Penetrating Vessels
Addresses These Menopausal Symptoms Pattern Variations
Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang
How it manifests:
menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Menopausal symptoms, Hot flushes
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypertension, Irregular periods, Menopausal hot flashes, Excessive sweating, Irritability, Generalized fatigue...
Wen Jing Tang
Addresses these menopausal symptoms patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Uterus and vessels
- Nourishes Blood
- Dispels Cold
- Dispels Blood Stagnation
Addresses These Menopausal Symptoms Pattern Variations
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Hot flushes
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Er Zhi Wan
Addresses these menopausal symptoms patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Liver Yin
- Nourishes Kidney Yin
Addresses These Menopausal Symptoms Pattern Variations
Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang
How it manifests:
menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Menopausal symptoms, Hot flushes
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypertension, Irregular periods, Menopausal hot flashes, Excessive sweating, Irritability, Generalized fatigue...
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan
Addresses these menopausal symptoms patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates the Blood
- Transforms Blood Stasis
- Softens lumps
- Reduces fixed abdominal pain
Addresses These Menopausal Symptoms Pattern Variations
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Hot flushes
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
Addresses these menopausal symptoms patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the yin and nourishes the Kidneys
Addresses These Menopausal Symptoms Pattern Variations
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Hot flushes
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache...
Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys
How it manifests:
menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Hot flushes
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Insomnia, Palpitations, Poor memory, Lower back pain...
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Menopausal hot flushes
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan
Addresses these menopausal symptoms patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the Yin
- Nourishes the Blood
- Clears Heat
- Calms the Mind
Addresses These Menopausal Symptoms Pattern Variations
Disharmony between Heart and Kidneys
How it manifests:
menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Hot flushes
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Insomnia, Palpitations, Poor memory, Lower back pain...
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan
Addresses these menopausal symptoms patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Kidney and Liver Yin
- Improves vision
Addresses These Menopausal Symptoms Pattern Variations
Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Menopausal
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Insomnia, Blurry vision, Eye floaters...
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Menopausal hot flushes
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Hot flushes
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache...
You Gui Wan
Addresses these menopausal symptoms patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies Kidney Yang
- Replenishes the Essence
- Tonifies the Blood
Addresses These Menopausal Symptoms Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Hot flushes
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Yue Ju Wan
Addresses these menopausal symptoms patterns:
Main Actions
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Releases all types of Stagnation (Qi, Blood, Phlegm, Fire, Food and Dampness)
Addresses These Menopausal Symptoms Pattern Variations
Phlegm
How it manifests:
menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome
Accompanying symptoms:
Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Si Wu Tang
Addresses these menopausal symptoms patterns:
Main Actions
- Restores and nourishes Blood
- Stimulates Blood circulation
Addresses These Menopausal Symptoms Pattern Variations
Heart Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Menopausal syndrome
Accompanying symptoms:
Easily startled, Vivid dreaming, Hysteria, Neurasthenia
Bu Gan Tang
Addresses these menopausal symptoms patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies and regulates the Blood
- Nourishes the Liver Yin
Addresses These Menopausal Symptoms Pattern Variations
Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Menopausal
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Insomnia, Blurry vision, Eye floaters...
Wen Dan Tang
Addresses these menopausal symptoms patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Phlegm
- Clears Gallbladder
- Regulates Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Addresses These Menopausal Symptoms Pattern Variations
Phlegm
How it manifests:
menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome
Accompanying symptoms:
Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Gui Pi Tang
Addresses these menopausal symptoms patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies and nourish Qi and Blood
- Tonifies Heart and Spleen
Addresses These Menopausal Symptoms Pattern Variations
Heart Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Menopausal syndrome
Accompanying symptoms:
Easily startled, Vivid dreaming, Hysteria, Neurasthenia
Yi Guan Jian
Addresses these menopausal symptoms patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the Yin
- Spreads the Liver Qi
Addresses These Menopausal Symptoms Pattern Variations
Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Menopausal
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Insomnia, Blurry vision, Eye floaters...
Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang
Addresses these menopausal symptoms patterns:
Main Actions
- Regulates the flow of Qi,
- Clears Phlegm
- Treats esophageal spasm
- Descends Rebellious Qi
- Dissipates clumps
- Relieves Stagnation
Addresses These Menopausal Symptoms Pattern Variations
Phlegm
How it manifests:
menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome
Accompanying symptoms:
Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Shen Qi Si Wu Tang
Addresses these menopausal symptoms patterns:
Main Actions
- Restores and nourishes Blood
- Stimulates Blood circulation
- Tonifies Qi
Addresses These Menopausal Symptoms Pattern Variations
Heart Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Menopausal syndrome
Accompanying symptoms:
Easily startled, Vivid dreaming, Hysteria, Neurasthenia
Zuo Gui Yin
Addresses these menopausal symptoms patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Yin
- Tonifies the Kidneys
Addresses These Menopausal Symptoms Pattern Variations
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Menopausal hot flushes
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Hot flushes
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache...
Gan Mai Da Zao Tang
Addresses these menopausal symptoms patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Heart
- Calms the Mind
- Harmonizes the middle burner
- Relaxes tension
Addresses These Menopausal Symptoms Pattern Variations
Heart Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Menopausal syndrome
Accompanying symptoms:
Easily startled, Vivid dreaming, Hysteria, Neurasthenia
Dang Gui Di Huang Yin
Addresses these menopausal symptoms patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Blood
- Tonifies Kidney and Liver Yin
- Regulates the menstrual cycle
Addresses These Menopausal Symptoms Pattern Variations
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Menopausal hot flushes
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...
Zhen Xin An Shen Tang
Addresses these menopausal symptoms patterns:
Main Actions
- Anchors the Heart and calms the Mind
Addresses These Menopausal Symptoms Pattern Variations
Heart Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Menopausal syndrome
Accompanying symptoms:
Easily startled, Vivid dreaming, Hysteria, Neurasthenia
Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San
Addresses these menopausal symptoms patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Liver Fire from Stagnant Liver Qi
Addresses These Menopausal Symptoms Pattern Variations
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Menopausal hot flushes
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...
Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan
Addresses these menopausal symptoms patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies the Heart Qi
- Calms the Mind and clear anxiety
- Nourish the Heart Blood
Addresses These Menopausal Symptoms Pattern Variations
Heart Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Menopausal syndrome
Accompanying symptoms:
Easily startled, Vivid dreaming, Hysteria, Neurasthenia
Gui Shao Di Huang Tang
Addresses these menopausal symptoms patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Blood
- Nourishes Yin
Addresses These Menopausal Symptoms Pattern Variations
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Hot flushes
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache...
Zuo Gui Wan
Addresses these menopausal symptoms patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Yin
- Strengthens the Kidneys
- Fills the Essence
- Augments the marrow
Addresses These Menopausal Symptoms Pattern Variations
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Menopausal hot flushes
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...
Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan
Addresses these menopausal symptoms patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Yin
- Drains Fire
Addresses These Menopausal Symptoms Pattern Variations
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Menopausal hot flushes
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...
Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan
Addresses these menopausal symptoms patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the Kidney Yin and Essence
- Nourishes the Liver Blood
- Beautifies hair
Addresses These Menopausal Symptoms Pattern Variations
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
menopause, perimenopausal syndrome, climacteric syndrome, menopausal syndrome, Menopausal hot flushes
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...