Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Understanding different abnormal uterine bleeding patterns according to TCM theory

Educational content Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice

Overview
What causes it 10 TCM patterns documented
How to recognize Symptoms specific to each abnormal uterine bleeding pattern
Classical remedies 50 herbal formulas documented

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches abnormal uterine bleeding with a holistic lens, viewing it as a manifestation of imbalance within the body's energetic system. Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on the symptom itself, TCM seeks to understand the root cause of the disharmony—be it Qi (energy), Blood, Yin, or Yang imbalances.

This diagnosis then informs a tailored treatment strategy aimed at restoring balance, emphasizing the importance of identifying the specific pattern of disharmony to effectively address the condition.

TCM Patterns for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Blood Stasis

Causes: abnormal uterine bleeding, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, abnormal vaginal bleeding, atypical vaginal bleeding, bleeding between periods, intermenstrual bleeding, mid cycle bleeding, Hesitant periods, oligomenorrhea, long menstruation, long periods, prolonged menstrual bleeding, prolonged menstruation, prolonged periods, Irregular menstruation, Abnormal uterine bleeding

8 variations documented
Blood Stagnation
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

abnormal uterine bleeding, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, abnormal vaginal bleeding, atypical vaginal bleeding, bleeding between periods, intermenstrual bleeding, mid cycle bleeding, Hesitant periods, oligomenorrhea

Along with: Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps,

Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

long menstruation, long periods, prolonged menstrual bleeding, prolonged menstruation, prolonged periods, Irregular menstruation

Along with: Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails,

Liver Blood Stagnation
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

Irregular menstruation

Along with: Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods,

Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner caused by Cold
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

Abnormal uterine bleeding

Along with: Abdominal masses, Lower abdominal pain, Lower abdominal distension, Lower back pain, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Blood and Qi Deficiency with Blood Stagnation
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

Irregular menstruation

Along with: Loss of appetite, Weak limbs, Lower back pain, Abdominal distention, Irregular periods, Red and white vaginal discharge,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Blood Stagnation and Phlegm in the Uterus
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

Irregular menstruation

Along with: Persistent uterine bleeding of purple or dark blood, Lower abdominal distension and pain that increases with pressure, Lower abdominal fibroids and cysts, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods, Abdominal pain,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Blood Stagnation in the Directing and Penetrating Vessels
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

Irregular menstruation

Along with: Irregular periods, Brown vaginal discharge, Dark menstrual clots, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Blood Deficiency and Stagnation
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

Irregular menstruation

Along with: Dizziness, Blurry vision, Lackluster complexion and nails, Muscle tension, Insomnia, Palpitations,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Heat

Causes: abnormal uterine bleeding, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, abnormal vaginal bleeding, atypical vaginal bleeding, Early periods, advanced menstruation, advanced periods, early menstruation, menstruation ahead of schedule, periods ahead of schedule, Trickling blood after period, bleeding between periods, intermenstrual bleeding, mid cycle bleeding, Irregular menstruation, Midcycle bleeding, Abnormal uterine bleeding, Shortened menstrual cycle in women

7 variations documented
Heat in the Blood
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

abnormal uterine bleeding, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, abnormal vaginal bleeding, atypical vaginal bleeding, Early periods, advanced menstruation, advanced periods, early menstruation, menstruation ahead of schedule, periods ahead of schedule, Trickling blood after period

Along with: Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia,

Damp-Heat
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

bleeding between periods, intermenstrual bleeding, mid cycle bleeding, Irregular menstruation

Along with: Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst,

Damp-Heat in the Liver
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

Midcycle bleeding, Irregular menstruation

Along with: Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Abdominal fullness, Lower abdominal fullness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Sticky taste in the mouth, Loss of appetite,

Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

Irregular menstruation

Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation with Spleen Qi Deficiency that transforms into Heat
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

Abnormal uterine bleeding

Along with: Irritability, Spontaneous sweat, Eye hyperemia, Dry mouth, Palpitations, Lower abdominal oppression,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency causing Heat in the Blood
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

bleeding between periods, intermenstrual bleeding, mid cycle bleeding

Along with: Dizziness, Tinnitus, Night sweats, Back pain, Dark urine

Heat Excess in the Liver or Gallbladder
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

Shortened menstrual cycle in women

Along with: Hypochondriac pain, Headaches, Dizziness, Red and irritated eyes, Hearing loss, Ear swelling,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Qi Stagnation

Causes: long menstruation, long periods, prolonged menstrual bleeding, prolonged menstruation, prolonged periods, Irregular menstruation, irregular cycles, chaotic periods, irregular periods, unpredictable menstruation, unpredictable periods, irregular menstruation, Abnormal uterine bleeding

6 variations documented
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

long menstruation, long periods, prolonged menstrual bleeding, prolonged menstruation, prolonged periods, Irregular menstruation

Along with: Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails,

Liver Qi Stagnation
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

irregular cycles, chaotic periods, irregular periods, unpredictable menstruation, unpredictable periods, irregular menstruation

Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia,

Qi Stagnation
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

Irregular menstruation

Along with: General fullness, Moving pain, Depression, Irritability, Mood swings, Sighing

Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

Irregular menstruation

Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation with Spleen Qi Deficiency that transforms into Heat
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

Abnormal uterine bleeding

Along with: Irritability, Spontaneous sweat, Eye hyperemia, Dry mouth, Palpitations, Lower abdominal oppression,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Blood and Qi Deficiency with Blood Stagnation
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

Irregular menstruation

Along with: Loss of appetite, Weak limbs, Lower back pain, Abdominal distention, Irregular periods, Red and white vaginal discharge,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Qi Deficiency

Causes: abnormal uterine bleeding, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, abnormal vaginal bleeding, atypical vaginal bleeding, Irregular menstruation, Abnormal uterine bleeding, Early periods, advanced menstruation, advanced periods, early menstruation, menstruation ahead of schedule, periods ahead of schedule

5 variations documented
Qi Deficiency
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

abnormal uterine bleeding, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, abnormal vaginal bleeding, atypical vaginal bleeding

Along with: General weakness, Weak voice, Generalized fatigue, Apathy, Dislike of speaking, Spontaneous sweat,

Liver Qi Deficiency
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

Irregular menstruation

Along with: Dizziness, Blurry vision, Eye floaters, Nervousness, Timidity, Easily startled,

Heart and Spleen Deficiency
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

Abnormal uterine bleeding

Along with: Palpitations, Insomnia, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, Anxiety, Pale face,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation with Spleen Qi Deficiency that transforms into Heat
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

Abnormal uterine bleeding

Along with: Irritability, Spontaneous sweat, Eye hyperemia, Dry mouth, Palpitations, Lower abdominal oppression,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Spleen or Kidney Qi Deficiency
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

Early periods, advanced menstruation, advanced periods, early menstruation, menstruation ahead of schedule, periods ahead of schedule

Along with: Pale menstrual flow, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Chills, Nocturia, Thin menstrual blood,

Blood Deficiency

Causes: oligomenorrhea, Abnormal uterine bleeding, Irregular menstruation

5 variations documented
Blood Deficiency
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

oligomenorrhea

Along with: Dizziness, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Dull shallow face, Pale lips, Poor memory,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Heart and Spleen Deficiency
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

Abnormal uterine bleeding

Along with: Palpitations, Insomnia, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, Anxiety, Pale face,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Blood and Qi Deficiency with Blood Stagnation
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

Irregular menstruation

Along with: Loss of appetite, Weak limbs, Lower back pain, Abdominal distention, Irregular periods, Red and white vaginal discharge,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Blood Deficiency and Stagnation
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

Irregular menstruation

Along with: Dizziness, Blurry vision, Lackluster complexion and nails, Muscle tension, Insomnia, Palpitations,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

Irregular menstruation

Along with: Chest distension, Chest pain, Anemia, Dizziness, Headaches, Dry mouth,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Yin Deficiency

Causes: long menstruation, long periods, prolonged menstrual bleeding, prolonged menstruation, prolonged periods, irregular cycles, chaotic periods, irregular periods, unpredictable menstruation, unpredictable periods, irregular menstruation, abnormal uterine bleeding, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, abnormal vaginal bleeding, atypical vaginal bleeding, oligomenorrhea, bleeding between periods, intermenstrual bleeding, mid cycle bleeding, Irregular menstruation

4 variations documented
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

long menstruation, long periods, prolonged menstrual bleeding, prolonged menstruation, prolonged periods, irregular cycles, chaotic periods, irregular periods, unpredictable menstruation, unpredictable periods, irregular menstruation

Along with: Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation,

Kidney-Deficiency
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

abnormal uterine bleeding, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, abnormal vaginal bleeding, atypical vaginal bleeding, oligomenorrhea

Along with: Scanty menstruation, Pale menstrual flow, Back pain, Knee pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus,

Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency causing Heat in the Blood
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

bleeding between periods, intermenstrual bleeding, mid cycle bleeding

Along with: Dizziness, Tinnitus, Night sweats, Back pain, Dark urine

Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

Irregular menstruation

Along with: Menopausal symptoms, Hypertension, Irregular periods, Menopausal hot flashes, Excessive sweating, Irritability,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Yang Deficiency

Causes: irregular cycles, chaotic periods, irregular periods, unpredictable menstruation, unpredictable periods, irregular menstruation, bleeding between periods, intermenstrual bleeding, mid cycle bleeding, Irregular menstruation

3 variations documented
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

irregular cycles, chaotic periods, irregular periods, unpredictable menstruation, unpredictable periods, irregular menstruation

Along with: Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Spleen or Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

bleeding between periods, intermenstrual bleeding, mid cycle bleeding

Along with: Abdominal pain that worsens with cold, Urinary dysfunction, Deep pain and heaviness in limbs, Dizziness, Heavy sensation in the head, Edema,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

Irregular menstruation

Along with: Menopausal symptoms, Hypertension, Irregular periods, Menopausal hot flashes, Excessive sweating, Irritability,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Dampness

Causes: bleeding between periods, intermenstrual bleeding, mid cycle bleeding, Irregular menstruation, Midcycle bleeding, oligomenorrhea

3 variations documented
Damp-Heat
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

bleeding between periods, intermenstrual bleeding, mid cycle bleeding, Irregular menstruation

Along with: Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst,

Damp-Heat in the Liver
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

Midcycle bleeding, Irregular menstruation

Along with: Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Abdominal fullness, Lower abdominal fullness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Sticky taste in the mouth, Loss of appetite,

Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

oligomenorrhea

Along with: Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest,

Phlegm

Causes: oligomenorrhea, Irregular menstruation

2 variations documented
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

oligomenorrhea

Along with: Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest,

Blood Stagnation and Phlegm in the Uterus
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

Irregular menstruation

Along with: Persistent uterine bleeding of purple or dark blood, Lower abdominal distension and pain that increases with pressure, Lower abdominal fibroids and cysts, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods, Abdominal pain,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Cold

Causes: Irregular menstruation, Abnormal uterine bleeding

2 variations documented
Cold in the Uterus
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

Irregular menstruation

Along with: Diarrhea, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Thin vaginal discharge

Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner caused by Cold
How it presents with abnormal uterine bleeding

Abnormal uterine bleeding

Along with: Abdominal masses, Lower abdominal pain, Lower abdominal distension, Lower back pain, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Herbal Formulas for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address abnormal uterine bleeding

Si Wu Tang

Addresses these abnormal uterine bleeding patterns:

Blood Stasis Qi Stagnation Blood Deficiency Qi Deficiency

Xiao Yao San

Addresses these abnormal uterine bleeding patterns:

Qi Stagnation Blood Stasis Qi Deficiency Blood Deficiency

Tao Hong Si Wu Tang

Addresses these abnormal uterine bleeding patterns:

Blood Stasis Qi Stagnation Blood Deficiency

Jia Wei Xiao Yao San

Addresses these abnormal uterine bleeding patterns:

Heat Qi Stagnation Qi Deficiency

Wen Jing Tang

Addresses these abnormal uterine bleeding patterns:

Cold Blood Stasis Qi Stagnation

Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang

Addresses these abnormal uterine bleeding patterns:

Blood Stasis Cold Qi Stagnation

Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang

Addresses these abnormal uterine bleeding patterns:

Blood Stasis Qi Stagnation Blood Deficiency

Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan

Addresses these abnormal uterine bleeding patterns:

Blood Stasis Phlegm Qi Stagnation

Long Dan Xie Gan Tang

Addresses these abnormal uterine bleeding patterns:

Heat Dampness