Scanty Menstruation in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different scanty menstruation patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Scanty menstruation, often referred to as oligomenorrhea, is a condition characterized by menstrual periods that are unusually light or brief. This symptom encompasses various forms, including light menstrual flow and decreased menstrual flow, reflecting different degrees of menstrual insufficiency.
The deviation from normal menstrual patterns indicates an underlying irregularity that can be influenced by various factors.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches scanty menstruation through a holistic lens, viewing it as a manifestation of imbalances within the body's Qi (vital energy) and blood. TCM doesn't isolate menstrual issues but rather sees them as part of a larger systemic imbalance.
This perspective differs from Western medicine by focusing on restoring overall harmony and addressing root causes like Blood Deficiency, Yin Deficiency, and Blood Stagnation.
TCM Patterns for Scanty Menstruation
Blood Deficiency
Causes: Scanty periods, hypomenorrhea, hypomenorrhoea, scanty menstruation, Menstruation decreases gratually
Blood Deficiency
Scanty periods, hypomenorrhea, hypomenorrhoea, scanty menstruation
Along with: Dizziness, Amenorrhea, Dull shallow face, Pale lips, Poor memory, Insomnia
Qi and Blood Deficiency
Menstruation decreases gratually
Along with: General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Dislike of speaking, Loss of appetite, Limb numbness, Skin numbness
Blood Stasis
Causes: Scanty periods, hypomenorrhea, hypomenorrhoea, scanty menstruation, Menstruation decreases gratually
Blood Stagnation
Scanty periods, hypomenorrhea, hypomenorrhoea, scanty menstruation
Along with: Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Lumps
Qi And Blood Stagnation
Menstruation decreases gratually
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
Yin Deficiency
Causes: Scanty periods, hypomenorrhea, hypomenorrhoea, scanty menstruation
Kidney-Deficiency
Scanty periods, hypomenorrhea, hypomenorrhoea, scanty menstruation
Along with: Pale menstrual flow, Back pain, Knee pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Frequent urination, Late menstruation, Chills, Cold extremities, Pale face
Phlegm
Causes: Scanty periods, hypomenorrhea, hypomenorrhoea, scanty menstruation, Menstruation decreases gratually
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Scanty periods, hypomenorrhea, hypomenorrhoea, scanty menstruation, Menstruation decreases gratually
Along with: Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Generalized fatigue, Diarrhea, Dull pale complexion, Obesity, Infertility, Ovarian cysts, Ovarian fibroids, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Pseudocyesis, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness
Qi Deficiency
Causes: Menstruation decreases gratually
Qi and Blood Deficiency
Menstruation decreases gratually
Along with: General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Dislike of speaking, Loss of appetite, Limb numbness, Skin numbness
Qi Stagnation
Causes: Menstruation decreases gratually
Qi And Blood Stagnation
Menstruation decreases gratually
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
Dampness
Causes: Scanty periods, hypomenorrhea, hypomenorrhoea, scanty menstruation, Menstruation decreases gratually
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Scanty periods, hypomenorrhea, hypomenorrhoea, scanty menstruation, Menstruation decreases gratually
Along with: Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Generalized fatigue, Diarrhea, Dull pale complexion, Obesity, Infertility, Ovarian cysts, Ovarian fibroids, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Pseudocyesis, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness
Herbal Formulas for Scanty Menstruation
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address scanty menstruation
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
Addresses these scanty menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi of the Spleen and Stomach (Middle Burner)
- Raises the Yang
- Detoxifies
- Lifts what has sunken
Addresses These Scanty Menstruation Pattern Variations
Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Menstruation decreases gratually
Accompanying symptoms:
General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations...
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it manifests:
Scanty periods, hypomenorrhea, hypomenorrhoea, scanty menstruation, Menstruation decreases gratually
Accompanying symptoms:
Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Generalized fatigue...
Shi Quan Da Bu Tang
Addresses these scanty menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies Qi
- Warms and tonifies Blood
Addresses These Scanty Menstruation Pattern Variations
Kidney-Deficiency
How it manifests:
Scanty periods, hypomenorrhea, hypomenorrhoea, scanty menstruation
Accompanying symptoms:
Pale menstrual flow, Back pain, Knee pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Frequent urination...
Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Menstruation decreases gratually
Accompanying symptoms:
General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations...
Tao Hong Si Wu Tang
Addresses these scanty menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Blood and regulates the Liver
- Moves Qi and Blood in the lower abdomen
- Stops pain
Addresses These Scanty Menstruation Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Scanty periods, hypomenorrhea, hypomenorrhoea, scanty menstruation
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Menstruation decreases gratually
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan
Addresses these scanty menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Resolves Dampness and Phlegm
Addresses These Scanty Menstruation Pattern Variations
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it manifests:
Scanty periods, hypomenorrhea, hypomenorrhoea, scanty menstruation, Menstruation decreases gratually
Accompanying symptoms:
Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Generalized fatigue...
Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang
Addresses these scanty menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi and Blood
- Nourishes the Heart
- Calms the Mind
- Warms Yang
- Strengthens the Spleen and Lungs
Addresses These Scanty Menstruation Pattern Variations
Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Menstruation decreases gratually
Accompanying symptoms:
General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations...
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
Addresses these scanty menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates Blood
- Eliminates Blood Stagnation below the diaphragm
- Stops pain
- Promotes Qi movement
Addresses These Scanty Menstruation Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Scanty periods, hypomenorrhea, hypomenorrhoea, scanty menstruation
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Menstruation decreases gratually
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang
Addresses these scanty menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Resolves Damp-Phlegm
- Nourishes Blood
Addresses These Scanty Menstruation Pattern Variations
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it manifests:
Scanty periods, hypomenorrhea, hypomenorrhoea, scanty menstruation, Menstruation decreases gratually
Accompanying symptoms:
Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Generalized fatigue...
Gui Pi Tang
Addresses these scanty menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies and nourish Qi and Blood
- Tonifies Heart and Spleen
Addresses These Scanty Menstruation Pattern Variations
Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Menstruation decreases gratually
Accompanying symptoms:
General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations...
Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Addresses these scanty menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Expels Cold and warm the menstruation Blood
- Stops pain
- Invigorates Blood
- Dispels Blood stagnation
Addresses These Scanty Menstruation Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Scanty periods, hypomenorrhea, hypomenorrhoea, scanty menstruation
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Menstruation decreases gratually
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang
Addresses these scanty menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Spleen and Stomach Qi
- Removes Dampness
- Moves Qi
- Alleviates pain
- Strengthens the Spleen and Harmonizes the Stomach,
Addresses These Scanty Menstruation Pattern Variations
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it manifests:
Scanty periods, hypomenorrhea, hypomenorrhoea, scanty menstruation, Menstruation decreases gratually
Accompanying symptoms:
Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Generalized fatigue...
Wu Yao Tang
Addresses these scanty menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Pacifies the Liver
- Moves Qi
- Stops pain
- Nourishes Liver Blood
- Eliminates Stagnation
Addresses These Scanty Menstruation Pattern Variations
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Menstruation decreases gratually
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San
Addresses these scanty menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Liver and Spleen Qi Stagnation
- Tonifies Spleen
- Clears Deficient Heat
- Nourishes the blood
Addresses These Scanty Menstruation Pattern Variations
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Menstruation decreases gratually
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Wei Jing Tang
Addresses these scanty menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears heat from the Lungs
- Transforms Phlegm
- Drives out Blood-Stagnation
- Discharges pus
Addresses These Scanty Menstruation Pattern Variations
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Menstruation decreases gratually
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Ren Shen Zi Xie Tang
Addresses these scanty menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Blood
Addresses These Scanty Menstruation Pattern Variations
Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Scanty periods, hypomenorrhea, hypomenorrhoea, scanty menstruation
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Amenorrhea, Dull shallow face, Pale lips, Poor memory, Insomnia
Dang Gui Di Huang Yin
Addresses these scanty menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Blood
- Tonifies Kidney and Liver Yin
- Regulates the menstrual cycle
Addresses These Scanty Menstruation Pattern Variations
Kidney-Deficiency
How it manifests:
Scanty periods, hypomenorrhea, hypomenorrhoea, scanty menstruation
Accompanying symptoms:
Pale menstrual flow, Back pain, Knee pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Frequent urination...
Si Wu Tang
Addresses these scanty menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Restores and nourishes Blood
- Stimulates Blood circulation
Addresses These Scanty Menstruation Pattern Variations
Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Scanty periods, hypomenorrhea, hypomenorrhoea, scanty menstruation
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Amenorrhea, Dull shallow face, Pale lips, Poor memory, Insomnia
He Che Da Zao Wan
Addresses these scanty menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies the Kidneys
- Strengthens the Directing and Penetrating Vessels
- Regulates the periods
Addresses These Scanty Menstruation Pattern Variations
Kidney-Deficiency
How it manifests:
Scanty periods, hypomenorrhea, hypomenorrhoea, scanty menstruation
Accompanying symptoms:
Pale menstrual flow, Back pain, Knee pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Frequent urination...