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Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Seek Early Treatment to Protect Your Health

Dr Li Rui, a senior physician at the Shanghai Chinese Medical Centre with a dual professional background (Master’s degree in TCM Gynecology and a Bachelor’s degree in Western Medicine), stated in an interview that menstrual issues are a vital health topic for many women. In particular, "Menorrhagia" (heavy menstrual bleeding) not only affects daily life but can also lead to symptoms such as anemia, dizziness, and fatigue.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), heavy menstrual flow is often categorized under "Beng Lou" (Flooding and Leaking). This manifests as excessively heavy periods or prolonged bleeding that lingers without stopping. TCM believes this is caused by a disruption in the circulation of Qi and Blood or dysfunction of the internal organs. Excessive blood loss leads to an insufficiency of blood in the body, which eventually forms "Blood Deficiency," resulting in dizziness, palpitations, a pale complexion, weakness, and tinnitus. In severe cases, it can significantly impact work and daily life.

Why Does Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Occur?
Common causes include endocrine imbalances, menopausal dysfunctional uterine bleeding, poor uterine contraction after gynecological surgery, uterine fibroids, and systemic coagulation disorders.

How TCM Treats Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
TCM regulation focuses primarily on soothing the Liver, nourishing the Blood, strengthening the Spleen, and tonifying the Kidneys.

Common clinical syndromes for heavy menstruation include:

  • Liver Stagnation and Blood Heat: Characterized by emotional swings, gloominess, or irritability.
  • Spleen Deficiency Failing to Control Blood: Characterized by fatigue, weakness, and poor appetite.
  • Kidney Qi Deficiency: Characterized by lower back soreness, weak legs, and frequent nocturia (nighttime urination).
  • Qi Deficiency: Characterized by shortness of breath, reluctance to speak, and a pale complexion.

Dr Li Rui points out that TCM treats excessive menstrual flow by regulating the Liver, nourishing Blood, strengthening the Spleen, tonifying the Kidneys, and regulating the Chong and Ren meridians. In clinical practice, acupuncture, herbal conditioning, and lifestyle adjustments are combined to achieve the goals of regulating menstruation, stopping bleeding, and enhancing the body's constitution.

Treatment methods vary from person to person and require "Syndrome Differentiation" to fundamentally improve the constitution and reduce menstrual volume.

TCM Dietary Recommendations for Menstrual Regulation

Rose Tea

  • Efficacy: Regulates Qi, relieves depression, promotes blood circulation, and regulates menstruation. Especially suitable for those with emotional instability or poor Qi and Blood circulation during their period.
  • Method: Use 6g of dried rosebuds, steep in hot water for 10 minutes, and drink one cup daily.

Pig Liver Soup with Herbal Bark (Er Pi Zhu Gan Tang)

  • Ingredients: Albizia bark (He Huan Pi) 1g, Moutan bark (Mu Dan Pi) 6g, Licorice (Gan Cao) 3g, Eucommia bark (Du Zhong) 6g, Pig liver 100g.
  • Method: Stew ingredients together in water to make a soup. Drink twice a week. It helps nourish the blood, calm the mind, and tonify the Kidneys to regulate menstruation.

Advice and Lifestyle Care

  1. Maintain hygiene during menstruation; avoid swimming and public baths.
  2. Avoid cold, raw, spicy, or irritating foods during your period to prevent aggravating discomfort.
  3. Avoid emotional fluctuations and excessive fatigue; keep the body and mind relaxed.
  4. Ensure adequate sleep and maintain a regular exercise routine to promote the circulation of Qi and Blood.

Dr Li Rui particularly emphasizes that women with heavy menstrual flow should pay special attention to supplementing iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12, as these nutrients promote red blood cell production and prevent anemia. It is especially important to avoid drinking tea during menstruation, as it can hinder iron absorption.

Dr Li Rui’s Reminder: If you experience symptoms such as excessively heavy menstrual flow, a pale complexion, fatigue, or palpitations, it is recommended to seek professional medical treatment as soon as possible.