Sticky Menstrual Bloodaccording to TCM

What is Sticky Menstrual Blood?

Sticky menstrual blood refers to menstrual flow that is unusually viscous or adhesive in nature. This symptom is characterized by menstrual blood that is notably thicker and clings more than typical menstrual discharge. Such a consistency change can be indicative of underlying health conditions and is distinct from normal variations in menstrual fluid.

Synonyms for this symptom include adhesive menstrual flow, clinging menstrual discharge, and viscous period blood, each describing the unusual thickness and tackiness of the menstrual blood.

How does TCM view Sticky Menstrual Blood?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), sticky menstrual blood is seen as a symptom arising from imbalances within the body's natural systems. TCM does not view symptoms in isolation but as indicators of deeper disharmonies within the body's Qi (energy), Blood, and organ systems.

Sticky menstrual blood is often associated with patterns of disharmony such as Phlegm or Heat within the body, and TCM emphasizes identifying and treating these underlying causes rather than just the symptom itself.

Root Causes of Sticky Menstrual Blood in TCM

TCM identifies several patterns that might lead to sticky menstrual blood. One such pattern is Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus, where an accumulation of Dampness and Phlegm in the body leads to symptoms like sticky menstrual blood, abdominal heaviness, and fatigue. This pattern suggests an imbalance in the body's ability to manage fluids and can be associated with a general feeling of heaviness and sluggishness.

Another pattern is Heat in the Uterus Blood, where an excess of Heat affects the Blood, leading to sticky menstrual blood along with symptoms like flushed face, anger, and dark urine. This pattern indicates an internal Heat that disrupts the normal flow and consistency of menstrual blood. Both these patterns highlight the importance of understanding the unique characteristics of menstrual blood in TCM diagnosis and treatment.

Explore below more details about what might cause Sticky menstrual blood according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Phlegm
  • Heat
  • Dampness
  • Uterus
Detailed description of the cause

Phlegm

In TCM "Phlegm" as a pattern of disharmony is a complex concept that extends beyond the physical manifestation of mucus. It represents a pathological factor that can disrupt the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to various health issues. Phlegm in TCM is seen as a sticky, turbid substance arising from the body's inability to metabolize fluids properly, often due to a dysfunction of the spleen. It's not only associated with respiratory problems like cough and congestion but also with systemic issues. Symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, mental cloudiness, dizziness, and in some cases, the formation of lumps or masses. Phlegm can even be "invisible," contributing to emotional disturbances like depression or stress. ... see more

Phlegm Patterns That Can Lead to Sticky Menstrual Blood

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus Sticky menstrual blood, Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, 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... see more Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang | Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi 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 Sticky Menstrual Blood

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heat in Uterus Blood Sticky menstrual blood, Excessive menstruation, Sudden period before schedule, Dark menstrual blood, Thirst, Flushed face, Anger, Anxiety, Dark urine, Constipation... see more Qing Re Gu Jing Tang | Huai Jiao Wan | Gu Jing Wan
Detailed description of the cause

Dampness

"Dampness" in TCM is a concept that describes a pattern of disharmony where the body accumulates excess moisture. Imagine the heavy, sticky feeling you get on a very humid day; that's similar to what dampness feels like internally. It can manifest as a sense of heaviness, bloating, sluggishness, or even a foggy mind. This condition is often thought to arise from environmental factors like living in a damp place, dietary habits that promote moisture in the body, or internal imbalances that hinder the body's ability to process fluids properly. In TCM, dampness can obstruct the normal flow of energy and fluids in the body, leading to various symptoms.... see more

Dampness Patterns That Can Lead to Sticky Menstrual Blood

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus Sticky menstrual blood, Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, 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... see more Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang | Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Uterus

In TCM the Uterus (or "Bao Gong") is not just a reproductive organ but a vital system closely linked to Kidney energy, responsible for menstrual health, fertility, and pregnancy. It's also connected to the Heart and Liver, reflecting the importance of emotional and blood health in reproductive wellness. In TCM, the Uterus is seen as a reservoir of Blood and Qi, crucial for reproductive health and general vitality. When the Uterus malfunctions or is imbalanced, it can lead to menstrual irregularities, infertility, miscarriages, or menopausal symptoms. Additionally, there might be symptoms like lower abdominal pain or emotional disturbances such as mood swings, often linked to Liver Qi stagnation. These manifestations highlight the TCM perspective that the health of the Uterus is intertwined with the overall balance of energy and blood in the body, as well as emotional well-being.... see more

Uterus Patterns That Can Lead to Sticky Menstrual Blood

Common Symptoms: Thick Menstrual Blood Excessive Menstruation Sudden Period Before Schedule Dark Menstrual Blood Thirst Flushed Face Anger Anxiety

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heat in Uterus Blood Sticky menstrual blood, Excessive menstruation, Sudden period before schedule, Dark menstrual blood, Thirst, Flushed face, Anger, Anxiety, Dark urine, Constipation... see more Qing Re Gu Jing Tang | Huai Jiao Wan | Gu Jing Wan
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus Sticky menstrual blood, Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, 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... see more Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang | Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Sticky Menstrual Blood

In addressing sticky menstrual blood, TCM recommends specific formulas and herbs tailored to the underlying patterns. For Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus, formulas like Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang and Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang are prescribed. These formulas contain herbs such as Dong quai and Ginseng, which work to resolve Phlegm and tonify Blood and Qi respectively.

For the Heat pattern, formulas like Qing Re Gu Jing Tang and Huai Jiao Wan are used. They include herbs such as Baikal Skullcap Roots and Pagoda tree pods, known for their ability to clear Heat and stabilize the Blood. These treatments aim to restore balance by addressing the specific type of disharmony causing the symptom, reflecting TCM's holistic approach to health and wellness.

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Phlegm
  • Heat
  • Dampness
  • Formulas that clear heat from deficiency
  • Formulas that stop bleeding
  • Formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge
  • Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
  • Formulas that dispel phlegm

All Formulas Recommended for Sticky Menstrual Blood Caused by Phlegm

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus

All Formulas Recommended for Sticky Menstrual Blood Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Qing Re Gu Jing Tang Heat in Uterus Blood
Huai Jiao Wan Heat in Uterus Blood
Gu Jing Wan Heat in Uterus Blood

All Formulas Recommended for Sticky Menstrual Blood Caused by Dampness

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus

TCM Herbs for Sticky Menstrual Blood

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address sticky menstrual blood, organized by herb category.

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

"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for sticky menstrual blood

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) Gu Jing Wan
Dong Quai (Dang Gui) Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang