O'Cold in the Uterus' is one the most common TCM pattern for women. It can be responsible for many gynecological diseases such as menstrual cramps, irregular periods, late period, scanty period, amenorrhea, infertility, etc.

The Cold here mainly refers to Wind-Cold or Damp-Cold which can invade the Uterus directly without pass through the Exterior. The typical manifestations are feeling of cold and cold limbs.

Coldness can also lead to other TCM patterns such as Blood and Qi Stagnation, thus the symptoms of dark clots in dark menstrual Blood, sore and painful lower back and period cramp.

There are two types of Cold patterns in the Uterus: Full Cold or Empty-Cold.

Full cold refers to actual Cold Evils invading the Uterus. It often happen to women who consume excessive amount of cold food (e.g. ice cream, raw food, ice-cold drinks), live in cold environments or do sports in winter or during menstruation. The typical manifestations are pale face, no tastes in the mouth as well as intense abdominal pain that can not be relieved with massage or pressure, but with warmth.

Dampness Stagnation often come along with this Full Cold pattern. The treatment principle is to use herbs that expel the Damp-Cold and warm the Uterus. Formulas like Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang are recommended.

Empty-Cold is the result of Yang Deficiency. When general Yang is lacking for a long period of time, it can not warm the Uterus. The typical manifestations are fatigue, poor appetite, lassitude and loose stools. The abdominal pain is often quite mild and can be relieved by massage and warmth.

Only herbs that expel coldness is not enough for the Empty-Cold cases. The treatment should be more focused on supporting Yang and boosting Qi. Wen Qi Hua Shi Tang  is recommended as a herbal formula in this case. It is for long-term retention of Damp-Cold in the Uterus which leads to Qi and Yang Deficiency and painful periods.