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Galactorrheaaccording to TCM

Causes Icon 3 causes Herbal Formulas Icon 4 herbal formulas Herbs Icon 5 herbs

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, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling hot, 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, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling hot, 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, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling hot, 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
View More Types

Top Formula for Qi Deficiency:
Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang

Suitable for Qi Deficiency patterns that may cause galactorrhea, such as Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency

Learn more

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

Top Formula for Qi Stagnation:
Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San

Suitable for Qi Stagnation patterns that may cause galactorrhea, such as Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire

Learn more

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

Top Formula for Heat:
Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San

Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause galactorrhea, such as Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire

Learn more

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

Formulas that tonify

These formulas are suitable for some galactorrhea-causing patterns like Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency.

One such formula is Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.

Formulas that tonify Qi and Blood

These formulas are suitable for some galactorrhea-causing patterns like Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency.

One such formula is Ba Zhen Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.

Formulas that clear Liver-Heat

These formulas are suitable for some galactorrhea-causing patterns like Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire.

One such formula is Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San, with mudan peony bark as a key herb.

Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs

These formulas are suitable for some galactorrhea-causing patterns like Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire.

One such formula is Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, with chinese gentian as a key herb.

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
View More Categories

Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency

Galactorrhea can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.

One such herb is White Peony Roots (Bai Shao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for galactorrhea, like Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang.

Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.

"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

Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency

Galactorrhea can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.

One such herb is Ginseng (Ren Shen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for galactorrhea, like Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang.

Herbs that cool the Blood

Galactorrhea can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.

One such herb is Mudan Peony Bark (Mu Dan Pi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for galactorrhea, like Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San.

Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness

Galactorrhea can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.

One such herb is Chinese Gentian (Long Dan Cao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for galactorrhea, like Long Dan Xie Gan Tang.