Galactorrheaaccording to TCM

Symptom family: Breastfeeding Conditions

Root Causes of Galactorrhea in TCM

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

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Qi Deficiency
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Heat
  • Spleen
  • Stomach
  • Liver
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 Galactorrhea

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency galactorrhea, galactorrhoea, lactorrhea, Dizziness, Unsteadiness, Blurry vision, Deafness, Tinnitus, Shortness of breath, Weak voice, Pale face, Lack of appetite, Diarrhea... see more Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang | Ba Zhen Tang
Detailed description of the cause

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 Galactorrhea

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire galactorrhea, galactorrhoea, lactorrhea, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling of heat, Flushed face, Thirst, Anger, Pre menstrual tension, Irregular periods, Pre menstrual breast distension, Excessive menstruation... see more Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San | Long Dan Xie Gan Tang
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 Galactorrhea

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire galactorrhea, galactorrhoea, lactorrhea, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling of heat, Flushed face, Thirst, Anger, Pre menstrual tension, Irregular periods, Pre menstrual breast distension, Excessive menstruation... see more Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San | Long Dan Xie Gan Tang
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 Galactorrhea

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency galactorrhea, galactorrhoea, lactorrhea, Dizziness, Unsteadiness, Blurry vision, Deafness, Tinnitus, Shortness of breath, Weak voice, Pale face, Lack of appetite, Diarrhea... see more Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang | Ba Zhen Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Stomach

In TCM the Stomach is regarded as the "sea of nourishment," pivotal for digesting food and transforming it into Qi and blood. It works closely with the Spleen to distribute these essential nutrients throughout the body. When the Stomach is out of balance or malfunctions in TCM, it often leads to digestive problems such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, or a feeling of fullness. There may also be issues like acid reflux or a sour taste in the mouth. Emotionally, an imbalanced Stomach can contribute to excessive worry and overthinking, reflecting the TCM belief that physical and emotional well-being are deeply interconnected.... see more

Stomach Patterns That Can Lead to Galactorrhea

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency galactorrhea, galactorrhoea, lactorrhea, Dizziness, Unsteadiness, Blurry vision, Deafness, Tinnitus, Shortness of breath, Weak voice, Pale face, Lack of appetite, Diarrhea... see more Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang | Ba Zhen Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Liver

In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more

Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Galactorrhea

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire galactorrhea, galactorrhoea, lactorrhea, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling of heat, Flushed face, Thirst, Anger, Pre menstrual tension, Irregular periods, Pre menstrual breast distension, Excessive menstruation... see more Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San | Long Dan Xie Gan Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Galactorrhea

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Qi Deficiency
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Heat
  • Formulas that tonify
  • Formulas that tonify qi and blood
  • Formulas that clear liver-Heat
  • Formulas that clear heat from the organs

All Formulas Recommended for Galactorrhea Caused by Qi Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency
Ba Zhen Tang Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency

All Formulas Recommended for Galactorrhea Caused by Qi Stagnation

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire

All Formulas Recommended for Galactorrhea Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire

TCM Herbs for Galactorrhea

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

  • By Herb Category
  • Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
  • Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
  • Herbs that cool the blood
  • Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness

"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for galactorrhea

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang
Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) Ba Zhen Tang