Prolonged Menstruationaccording to TCM

What is Prolonged Menstruation?

Prolonged menstruation refers to menstrual cycles where bleeding lasts longer than the typical range of four to seven days. This condition can include extended periods of bleeding during regular menstrual cycles or prolonged bleeding that occurs irregularly.

Prolonged menstruation can be a symptom of various underlying conditions and may lead to complications such as anemia due to excessive blood loss. It can significantly impact a woman's quality of life, causing physical discomfort, emotional stress, and disruptions to daily activities.

How Does TCM View Prolonged Menstruation?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches prolonged menstruation as an indication of underlying imbalances in the body's natural systems. Contrary to Western medicine, which primarily focuses on the physical aspects of the condition, TCM considers prolonged menstruation as a manifestation of disharmony within the flow of Qi (vital energy) and Blood.

TCM emphasizes the importance of identifying the specific pattern of disharmony causing the symptom for effective treatment. This approach is holistic, considering both physical and emotional health, and aims to restore balance within the body.

Root Causes of Prolonged Menstruation in TCM

In TCM, prolonged menstruation is often attributed to specific patterns of imbalance. One common cause is Qi And Blood Stagnation, where the flow of Qi and Blood within the body is obstructed, leading to symptoms like prolonged menstrual bleeding, chest discomfort, and mood swings. This pattern reflects an underlying disruption in the body's energy dynamics.

Another cause can be Kidney Yin Deficiency, characterized by symptoms like back pain, dry mouth at night, and constipation. This deficiency indicates a lack of vital nourishing and cooling elements in the body, leading to prolonged menstruation. These patterns demonstrate TCM's comprehensive approach to understanding and treating menstrual irregularities.

Explore below more details about what might cause Prolonged menstruation according to TCM.

Qi Stagnation

Qi Stagnation in TCM is like having a traffic jam in your body's energy system. Qi, the vital life force that flows through your body, is supposed to move smoothly to maintain health and balance. But with Qi Stagnation, this flow gets blocked or slowed down, like cars stuck on a highway. This can lead to symptoms like feeling stressed, emotional mood swings, and physical discomfort, often described as a feeling of fullness or tightness, especially in the chest or abdomen. It's as though the body's internal energy circulation is disrupted, causing various issues. TCM sees this as an energy flow problem, different from modern medicine's focus on specific physiological processes.... see more

Qi Stagnation Patterns That Can Lead to Prolonged Menstruation

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Qi And Blood Stagnation	long menstruation, long periods, prolonged menstrual bleeding, prolonged menstruation, prolonged periods, 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... see more	Si Wu Tang | Jin Ling Zi San

Blood Stasis

Blood Stasis in TCM is a concept where the blood flow in the body is not as smooth or efficient as it should be. Imagine a river that's supposed to flow freely, but instead, it's getting blocked or moving too slowly in some parts. This can lead to various health issues, like pain that feels sharp or stabbing, dark bruises, and a complexion that looks purplish. TCM believes that good health relies on the smooth and vibrant flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, so when blood gets stuck, it's like a traffic jam in your body, leading to discomfort or health problems.... see more

Blood Stasis Patterns That Can Lead to Prolonged Menstruation

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Qi And Blood Stagnation	long menstruation, long periods, prolonged menstrual bleeding, prolonged menstruation, prolonged periods, 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... see more	Si Wu Tang | Jin Ling Zi San

Yin Deficiency

Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more

Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Prolonged Menstruation

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yin Deficiency	long menstruation, long periods, prolonged menstrual bleeding, prolonged menstruation, prolonged periods, 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... see more	Liang Di Tang | Er Zhi Wan

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 Prolonged Menstruation

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yin Deficiency	long menstruation, long periods, prolonged menstrual bleeding, prolonged menstruation, prolonged periods, 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... see more	Liang Di Tang | Er Zhi Wan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Prolonged Menstruation

To address prolonged menstruation, TCM practitioners may recommend specific formulas and herbs based on the identified pattern of disharmony. For Qi And Blood Stagnation, formulas such as Si Wu Tang with Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) or Jin Ling Zi San with Sichuan chinaberries (Chuan Lian Zi) can be effective in promoting Qi movement and tonifying blood.

In cases of Kidney Yin Deficiency, Liang Di Tang or Er Zhi Wan, which include herbs like Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang) and Glossy Privet Fruits (Nu Zhen Zi), are used to nourish Yin and cool the blood. These treatments aim to correct the underlying imbalances, thereby alleviating the symptoms of prolonged menstruation and restoring the body's natural rhythm. The selection of herbs and formulas in TCM is highly individualized, reflecting each patient's unique pattern of disharmony.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address prolonged menstruation, organized by cause and by formula type.

Top Formula for Qi Stagnation:
Si Wu Tang

Suitable for Qi Stagnation patterns that may cause prolonged menstruation, such as Qi And Blood Stagnation

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Prolonged Menstruation Caused by Qi Stagnation

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Si Wu Tang	Qi And Blood Stagnation
Jin Ling Zi San	Qi And Blood Stagnation

Top Formula for Blood Stasis:
Si Wu Tang

Suitable for Blood Stasis patterns that may cause prolonged menstruation, such as Qi And Blood Stagnation

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Prolonged Menstruation Caused by Blood Stasis

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Si Wu Tang	Qi And Blood Stagnation
Jin Ling Zi San	Qi And Blood Stagnation

Top Formula for Yin Deficiency:
Liang Di Tang

Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause prolonged menstruation, such as Kidney Yin Deficiency

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Prolonged Menstruation Caused by Yin Deficiency

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Liang Di Tang	Kidney Yin Deficiency
Er Zhi Wan	Kidney Yin Deficiency

TCM Herbs for Prolonged Menstruation

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address prolonged menstruation, organized by herb category.