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Irregular Menstruation
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What defines irregular menstruation?
Menstruation irregularity can mean when a woman's menstrual period is delayed, early, or irregular, it isn't necessarily an illness. A normal menstrual cycle is 24-38 days, has a duration of 3-7 days, and the amount is around 35 ml per cycle on average. Of course, this also varies from person to person.
When should I seek medical help?
If a menstrual cycle is less than 21 days or more than 40 days, a duration of more than 8 days, and if the amount is over 80 ml (changing a full-sized menstrual pad every 1-2 hours), it is recommended to seek professional help for further analysis.
TCM doctors classifies irregular menstruation into 3 causes:
1. Internal heat disturbance, agitated circulation: This also refers to retaining excessive heat, which could be caused by staying up late or approaching menopause. It could also be external factors like consuming too much hot and spicy food or having an infection or fever.
2. Deficiency causing depletion and insecurity: This condition mostly involves the spleen and kidney, two of the most important organs in TCM. It could be caused naturally, or through excessive sexual activity, multiple births, or menopause. Additionally, dietary imbalances, excessive dieting causing spleen deficiency, and insufficient energy and blood after a major illness can lead to harm in the vessels.
3. Blood stagnation and obstruction to vessels: This condition arises from poor circulation due to emotional stress, it can also result from a preference for cold foods and beverages, causing cold-induced stasis, or from external trauma and surgeries that disrupt the circulation of energy and blood, leading to stasis obstruction.
TCM Classification
Blood Heat with Ying Deficiency symptoms: Inter-menstrual bleeding, blood may be either abundant or scanty, bright red, with heat sensation in the palms and soles
Damp-Heat pours down into the lower part of the body: Bright red menstrual blood, prolonged menstruation often with clots, strong odor of menstrual blood, sticky stools, dry mouth
Qi and Blood Deficiency symptoms: Pale menstrual blood, possibly heavy or scanty flow, spotting before and after menstruation, fatigue, lack of strength, poor appetite
Spleen and Kidney Deficiency symptoms: Pale menstrual blood, aversion to cold, dizziness, lower back soreness, tinnitus, pale and swollen complexion
Daily reminders:
1. Consume a light diet and avoid spicy or stimulating foods during menstruation
2. Get enough sleep and avoid staying up late
3. Maintain moderate and routine exercises before and after bleeding, like core and aerobic exercises