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Prolonged Menstruationaccording to TCM

Causes Icon 3 causes Herbal Formulas Icon 4 herbal formulas Herbs Icon 6 herbs

Symptom families: Irregular or Abnormal Menstrual and Uterine Bleeding, Excessive or Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Parent symptom: Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Did you mean? Excessive Menstruation

What is Prolonged Menstruation?

Prolonged menstruation refers to menstrual cycles where bleeding lasts longer than the typical range of four to seven days. This condition can include extended periods of bleeding during regular menstrual cycles or prolonged bleeding that occurs irregularly.

Prolonged menstruation can be a symptom of various underlying conditions and may lead to complications such as anemia due to excessive blood loss. It can significantly impact a woman's quality of life, causing physical discomfort, emotional stress, and disruptions to daily activities.

How Does TCM View Prolonged Menstruation?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches prolonged menstruation as an indication of underlying imbalances in the body's natural systems. Contrary to Western medicine, which primarily focuses on the physical aspects of the condition, TCM considers prolonged menstruation as a manifestation of disharmony within the flow of Qi (vital energy) and Blood.

TCM emphasizes the importance of identifying the specific pattern of disharmony causing the symptom for effective treatment. This approach is holistic, considering both physical and emotional health, and aims to restore balance within the body.

Root Causes of Prolonged Menstruation in TCM

In TCM, prolonged menstruation is often attributed to specific patterns of imbalance. One common cause is Qi And Blood Stagnation, where the flow of Qi and Blood within the body is obstructed, leading to symptoms like prolonged menstrual bleeding, chest discomfort, and mood swings. This pattern reflects an underlying disruption in the body's energy dynamics.

Another cause can be Kidney Yin Deficiency, characterized by symptoms like back pain, dry mouth at night, and constipation. This deficiency indicates a lack of vital nourishing and cooling elements in the body, leading to prolonged menstruation. These patterns demonstrate TCM's comprehensive approach to understanding and treating menstrual irregularities.

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

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Blood Stasis
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Kidney
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 Prolonged Menstruation

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Qi And Blood Stagnation long menstruation, long periods, prolonged menstrual bleeding, prolonged menstruation, prolonged periods, 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 Si Wu Tang | Jin Ling Zi San
Detailed description of the cause

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 Prolonged Menstruation

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Qi And Blood Stagnation long menstruation, long periods, prolonged menstrual bleeding, prolonged menstruation, prolonged periods, 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 Si Wu Tang | Jin Ling Zi San
Detailed description of the cause

Yin Deficiency

Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more

Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Prolonged Menstruation

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yin Deficiency long menstruation, long periods, prolonged menstrual bleeding, prolonged menstruation, prolonged periods, Perspiration, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Infertility, Premature ejaculation, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Anxiety, Heat sensation in palms, Evening heat sensation, Flushed cheekbones, Menopausal hot flashes, Preference for sipping, Evening anxiety... see more Liang Di Tang | Er Zhi Wan
Detailed description of the cause

Kidney

In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more

Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Prolonged Menstruation

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yin Deficiency long menstruation, long periods, prolonged menstrual bleeding, prolonged menstruation, prolonged periods, Perspiration, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Infertility, Premature ejaculation, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Anxiety, Heat sensation in palms, Evening heat sensation, Flushed cheekbones, Menopausal hot flashes, Preference for sipping, Evening anxiety... see more Liang Di Tang | Er Zhi Wan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Prolonged Menstruation

To address prolonged menstruation, TCM practitioners may recommend specific formulas and herbs based on the identified pattern of disharmony. For Qi And Blood Stagnation, formulas such as Si Wu Tang with Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) or Jin Ling Zi San with Sichuan chinaberries (Chuan Lian Zi) can be effective in promoting Qi movement and tonifying blood.

In cases of Kidney Yin Deficiency, Liang Di Tang or Er Zhi Wan, which include herbs like Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang) and Glossy Privet Fruits (Nu Zhen Zi), are used to nourish Yin and cool the blood. These treatments aim to correct the underlying imbalances, thereby alleviating the symptoms of prolonged menstruation and restoring the body's natural rhythm. The selection of herbs and formulas in TCM is highly individualized, reflecting each patient's unique pattern of disharmony.

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Blood Stasis
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • Formulas that tonify blood
  • Formulas that promote qi movement

Top Formula for Qi Stagnation:
Si Wu Tang

Suitable for Qi Stagnation patterns that may cause prolonged menstruation, such as Qi And Blood Stagnation

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Prolonged Menstruation Caused by Qi Stagnation

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Si Wu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Jin Ling Zi San Qi And Blood Stagnation

Top Formula for Blood Stasis:
Si Wu Tang

Suitable for Blood Stasis patterns that may cause prolonged menstruation, such as Qi And Blood Stagnation

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Prolonged Menstruation Caused by Blood Stasis

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Si Wu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Jin Ling Zi San Qi And Blood Stagnation

Top Formula for Yin Deficiency:
Liang Di Tang

Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause prolonged menstruation, such as Kidney Yin Deficiency

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Prolonged Menstruation Caused by Yin Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Liang Di Tang Kidney Yin Deficiency
Er Zhi Wan Kidney Yin Deficiency

Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify

These formulas are suitable for some prolonged menstruation-causing patterns like Kidney Yin Deficiency.

One such formula is Liang Di Tang, with unprepared rehmannia as a key herb.

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

All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for prolonged menstruation

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Liang Di Tang Kidney Yin Deficiency
Er Zhi Wan Kidney Yin Deficiency

Formulas that tonify Blood

These formulas are suitable for some prolonged menstruation-causing patterns like Qi And Blood Stagnation.

One such formula is Si Wu Tang, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.

Formulas that promote Qi movement

These formulas are suitable for some prolonged menstruation-causing patterns like Qi And Blood Stagnation.

One such formula is Jin Ling Zi San, with sichuan chinaberries as a key herb.

TCM Herbs for Prolonged Menstruation

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

  • By Herb Category
  • Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
  • Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
  • Herbs that regulate qi
  • Herbs that cool the blood
View More Categories

Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency

Prolonged menstruation 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 Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for prolonged menstruation, like Si Wu Tang.

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

"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for prolonged menstruation

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) Si Wu Tang
White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) Si Wu Tang

Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency

Prolonged menstruation can be treated by these herbs when caused by a lack of Yin, which is essential for cooling and moistening the body, thereby restoring balance.

One such herb is Glossy Privet Fruits (Nu Zhen Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for prolonged menstruation, like Er Zhi Wan.

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

"Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency" recommended for prolonged menstruation

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Glossy Privet Fruits (Nu Zhen Zi) Er Zhi Wan
Eclipta Herbs (Mo han lian) Er Zhi Wan

Herbs that regulate Qi

Prolonged menstruation 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 Sichuan Chinaberries (Chuan Lian Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for prolonged menstruation, like Jin Ling Zi San.

Herbs that cool the Blood

Prolonged menstruation 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 Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for prolonged menstruation, like Liang Di Tang.