Decreased Menstrual Flowaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Abnormal Menstrual Flow, Texture or Color
Parent symptom: Scanty Menstruation
What is Decreased Menstrual Flow?
Decreased menstrual flow refers to a gradual reduction in the volume of blood loss during menstruation. This condition might manifest as less blood flow than usual or a noticeable decrease over successive menstrual cycles. It's a specific form of scanty menstruation, which can include symptoms like light-colored menstrual blood or less frequent need for menstrual hygiene products. Recognizing these changes is essential for understanding underlying health conditions.
How does TCM View Decreased Menstrual Flow?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives decreased menstrual flow as a manifestation of internal imbalances or disharmonies. Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on physical factors, TCM looks at the holistic interplay of bodily systems.
It identifies different patterns of disharmony causing this symptom, emphasizing that treatment must be tailored to the individual’s specific TCM pattern diagnosis. This approach is crucial for effective management and restoration of balance.
Root Causes of Decreased Menstrual Flow in TCM
In TCM, several patterns can lead to decreased menstrual flow. Qi Deficiency, particularly Blood and Qi Deficiency, often manifests in gradually reducing menstruation. This condition is marked by symptoms like anemia, vertigo, and a pale complexion, indicating a lack of life force and blood nourishment.
Qi Stagnation, specifically Qi and Blood Stagnation, might also cause this issue, characterized by symptoms like chest pain, mood swings, and dark face. Another possible cause is Phlegm, particularly Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus, leading to symptoms like amenorrhea, abdominal heaviness, and fatigue. Identifying the correct pattern is vital for effective treatment in TCM.
Explore below more details about what might cause Decreased menstrual flow according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Qi Deficiency
- Blood Deficiency
- Qi Stagnation
- Blood Stasis
- Phlegm
- Dampness
- View More Causes
- Uterus
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 Decreased Menstrual Flow
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Qi and Blood Deficiency | Menstruation decreases gratually, General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Reluctance to speak, Lack of appetite, Limb numbness, Skin numbness... see more | Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang | Shi Quan Da Bu Tang | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Gui Pi Tang |
Blood Deficiency
Blood Deficiency in TCM is like when your body's tank runs low on the vital energy that blood provides. It's not exactly the same as anemia in modern medicine, which is about having too few red blood cells. Instead, Blood Deficiency in TCM is about your body not having enough of the life-giving qualities that blood brings, like nourishment and moisture. This can make you feel tired, look pale, and even feel dizzy or have blurry vision. It's like a garden not getting enough water to stay lush and vibrant. TCM sees this as an imbalance where the body isn't being nourished as it should be, impacting overall health and well-being.... see more
Blood Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Decreased Menstrual Flow
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Qi and Blood Deficiency | Menstruation decreases gratually, General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Reluctance to speak, Lack of appetite, Limb numbness, Skin numbness... see more | Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang | Shi Quan Da Bu Tang | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Gui Pi Tang |
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 Decreased Menstrual Flow
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Qi And Blood Stagnation | Menstruation decreases gratually, Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression, Mottled skin, Foot edema, Abdominal masses, Melena black tarry stool, Menstrual cramps, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods... see more | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Tao Hong Si Wu Tang | Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Wu Yao Tang | Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Wei Jing Tang |
Blood Stasis
Blood Stasis in TCM is a concept where the blood flow in the body is not as smooth or efficient as it should be. Imagine a river that's supposed to flow freely, but instead, it's getting blocked or moving too slowly in some parts. This can lead to various health issues, like pain that feels sharp or stabbing, dark bruises, and a complexion that looks purplish. TCM believes that good health relies on the smooth and vibrant flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, so when blood gets stuck, it's like a traffic jam in your body, leading to discomfort or health problems.... see more
Blood Stasis Patterns That Can Lead to Decreased Menstrual Flow
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Qi And Blood Stagnation | Menstruation decreases gratually, Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression, Mottled skin, Foot edema, Abdominal masses, Melena black tarry stool, Menstrual cramps, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods... see more | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Tao Hong Si Wu Tang | Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Wu Yao Tang | Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Wei Jing Tang |
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 Decreased Menstrual Flow
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus | Menstruation decreases gratually, Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Generalized fatigue, Diarrhea, Dull pale complexion, Obesity, Infertility, Ovarian cysts, Ovarian fibroids, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Pseudocyesis, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness... see more | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan | Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang |
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 Decreased Menstrual Flow
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus | Menstruation decreases gratually, Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Generalized fatigue, Diarrhea, Dull pale complexion, Obesity, Infertility, Ovarian cysts, Ovarian fibroids, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Pseudocyesis, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness... see more | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan | Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang |
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 Decreased Menstrual Flow
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus | Menstruation decreases gratually, Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Generalized fatigue, Diarrhea, Dull pale complexion, Obesity, Infertility, Ovarian cysts, Ovarian fibroids, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Pseudocyesis, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness... see more | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan | Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Decreased Menstrual Flow
For treating decreased menstrual flow, TCM offers various formulas depending on the underlying pattern. For Qi Deficiency, particularly Blood and Qi Deficiency, Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang and Shi Quan Da Bu Tang are recommended, both known for their Qi and blood nourishing properties.
In cases of Qi Stagnation, specifically Qi and Blood Stagnation, Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang and Tao Hong Si Wu Tang are suggested to invigorate blood and dispel stagnation. For Phlegm patterns, particularly Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus, formulas like Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang and Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan are used to strengthen Qi and resolve phlegm. Each formula is chosen based on the individual's specific TCM diagnosis to ensure a holistic approach to treatment.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address decreased menstrual flow, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Qi Deficiency
- Blood Deficiency
- Qi Stagnation
- Blood Stasis
- Phlegm
- Dampness
- View More Causes
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that tonify
- Formulas that tonify yin and yang
- Formulas that tonify qi
- Formulas that tonify qi and blood
- Formulas that tonify blood
- Formulas that promote qi movement
- Formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen
- Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
- Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
- Formulas that dispel phlegm
Top Formula for Qi Deficiency:
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
Suitable for Qi Deficiency patterns that may cause decreased menstrual flow, such as Qi and Blood Deficiency
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Decreased Menstrual Flow Caused by Qi Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
| Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
| Shi Quan Da Bu Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
| Gui Pi Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
Top Formula for Blood Deficiency:
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
Suitable for Blood Deficiency patterns that may cause decreased menstrual flow, such as Qi and Blood Deficiency
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Decreased Menstrual Flow Caused by Blood Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
| Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
| Shi Quan Da Bu Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
| Gui Pi Tang | Qi and Blood Deficiency |
Top Formula for Qi Stagnation:
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
Suitable for Qi Stagnation patterns that may cause decreased menstrual flow, such as Qi And Blood Stagnation
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Decreased Menstrual Flow Caused by Qi Stagnation
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Tao Hong Si Wu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Wu Yao Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Wei Jing Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
Top Formula for Blood Stasis:
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
Suitable for Blood Stasis patterns that may cause decreased menstrual flow, such as Qi And Blood Stagnation
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Decreased Menstrual Flow Caused by Blood Stasis
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Tao Hong Si Wu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Wu Yao Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Wei Jing Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
Top Formula for Phlegm:
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
Suitable for Phlegm patterns that may cause decreased menstrual flow, such as Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Decreased Menstrual Flow Caused by Phlegm
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus |
| Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan | Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus |
| Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang | Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus |
Top Formula for Dampness:
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
Suitable for Dampness patterns that may cause decreased menstrual flow, such as Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Decreased Menstrual Flow Caused by Dampness
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus |
| Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan | Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus |
| Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang | Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus |
Formulas that tonify Qi
These formulas are suitable for some decreased menstrual flow-causing patterns like Qi and Blood Deficiency or Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus.
One such formula is Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
These formulas are suitable for some decreased menstrual flow-causing patterns like Qi And Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang, with szechuan lovage root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for decreased menstrual flow
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
Formulas that tonify
These formulas are suitable for some decreased menstrual flow-causing patterns like Qi and Blood Deficiency.
One such formula is Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Yin and Yang
These formulas are suitable for some decreased menstrual flow-causing patterns like Qi and Blood Deficiency.
One such formula is Shi Quan Da Bu Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Qi and Blood
These formulas are suitable for some decreased menstrual flow-causing patterns like Qi and Blood Deficiency.
One such formula is Gui Pi Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Blood
These formulas are suitable for some decreased menstrual flow-causing patterns like Qi And Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Tao Hong Si Wu Tang, with peach kernel as a key herb.
Formulas that promote Qi movement
These formulas are suitable for some decreased menstrual flow-causing patterns like Qi And Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Wu Yao Tang, with lindera root as a key herb.
Formulas that harmonize Liver-Spleen
These formulas are suitable for some decreased menstrual flow-causing patterns like Qi And Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Jia Wei Xiao Yao San, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
These formulas are suitable for some decreased menstrual flow-causing patterns like Qi And Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Wei Jing Tang, with common reed rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that dry Dampness and transform Phlegm
These formulas are suitable for some decreased menstrual flow-causing patterns like Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus.
One such formula is Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan, with coco-grass rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that dispel Phlegm
These formulas are suitable for some decreased menstrual flow-causing patterns like Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus.
One such formula is Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Decreased Menstrual Flow
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address decreased menstrual flow, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs that regulate qi
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Decreased menstrual flow 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 decreased menstrual flow, like Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for decreased menstrual flow
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ginseng (Ren Shen) | Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang | Gui Pi Tang | Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang |
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Shi Quan Da Bu Tang | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Gui Pi Tang |
| Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu) | Gui Pi Tang |
| Liquorice (Gan Cao) | Gui Pi Tang |
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Decreased menstrual flow can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong), a key herb in some formulas recommended for decreased menstrual flow, like Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for decreased menstrual flow
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong) | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang |
| Safflowers (Hong Hua) | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Tao Hong Si Wu Tang |
| Peach Kernels (Tao Ren) | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Tao Hong Si Wu Tang |
Herbs that regulate Qi
Decreased menstrual flow can be treated by these herbs when resulting from Qi stagnation or imbalance, helping to promote the smooth flow of Qi in the body.
One such herb is Lindera Roots (Wu Yao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for decreased menstrual flow, like Wu Yao Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that regulate Qi" recommended for decreased menstrual flow
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Lindera Roots (Wu Yao) | Wu Yao Tang |
| Coco-Grass Rhizomes (Xiang Fu) | Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan |
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Decreased menstrual flow 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 decreased menstrual flow, like Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Decreased menstrual flow can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for decreased menstrual flow, like Jia Wei Xiao Yao San.
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Decreased menstrual flow can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Common Reed Rhizomes (Lu Gen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for decreased menstrual flow, like Wei Jing Tang.
Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
Decreased menstrual flow can be treated by these herbs if it stems from damp accumulation, especially in the digestive system, using aromatic properties to transform and dispel dampness.
One such herb is Black Atractylodes Rhizomes (Cang Zhu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for decreased menstrual flow, like Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan.