Early Menstruationaccording to TCM

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
Detailed description of the cause

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
Detailed description of the cause

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 of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia, Hematuria, Vomiting blood, Cough of blood, 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
Detailed description of the cause

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
Detailed description of the cause

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

All 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

All 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

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

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" 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" 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