Intermenstrual bleeding – Chinese Medicine View

Why am I bleeding between periods? The type of bleeding between period may vary depending on the cause. For example:

• Spotting Before Period: Those who experience bleeding before period and after it may be struggling with liver Qi stagnation or possibly Qi and blood deficiency. Liver Qi stagnation may be due to poor blood circulation. Treatments for liver Qi stagnation attempt to supply clean heat and liver to the blood. Intermenstrual bleeding due to Qi and blood deficiency can sometimes treated with heat.

• Spotting Around Ovulation: Women who have spotting around ovulation may be suffering from kidney Yang Deficiency. Such a deficiency indicates that there is a lack of both the warming and growth of bodily tissues. This imbalance in the kidneys can be responsible for unwanted bleeding during ovulation time. It can also be an indication of a drop in estrogen levels. Treatments for spotting around ovulation due to kidney yang deficiency sometimes include adding Chinese medicinal herbs that have an estrogen-like effect.

• Spotting from Ovulation until Period: For women who experience bleeding mid cycle starting from ovulation until the onset of their period may be presenting with Qi deficiency. Qi deficiency can be an indicator of an imbalance in yin and yang as this will affect the creation of both blood and Qi. 

• Spotting Mid Cycle: Bleeding mid cycle is an indication of weakness in the spleen. When the spleen is too weak to perform optimally, it is unable to properly move fluids and nutrients. This then leads to dampness, heat, and the accumulation of phlegm caused by a spleen Other factors that contribute to dampness include eating foods that are high in sugar or oily foods such as nuts and fats. All of these factors will lead to mid cycle bleeding.

Chinese Medicine Treatments for Intermenstrual Bleeding

Instead of just advising women to use extra menstrual protection in order to help deal with the unpleasantness of bleeding mid cycle, TCM instead uses treatments such as acupuncture, moxibustion, and a variety of medicinal herbs in an effort to bring balance and relieve symptoms associated with intermenstrual bleeding.

• Acupuncture: The ancient practice of acupuncture has been used to treat many different menstrual disorders for centuries. Acupuncture for bleeding between periods can be an effective treatment. Acupuncturist will stimulate hormonal system by optimising specific acupuncture points to restore hormone imbalance and regulate period. For mid cycle bleeding due to dampness, blood stasis, and phlegm, acupuncture has been shown to be effective in clearing blood stasis by invigorating blood and helping to reduce the levels of phlegm.

• Moxibustion: Sometimes used as a complementary procedure along with acupuncture, moxibustion is an ancient TCM practice that involves burning mugwort leaves close to a patient’s skin while applying heat. Doing so helps to promote Qi circulation while strengthening the blood. Moxibustion can help to induce contractions of both the uterus and blood vessels. It can even help to promote ovarian functioning due to its ability to balance hormone levels, restore normal periods, and reduce bleeding.   

Treatment with Chinese Medicinal Herbs

There are many herbs used by TCM practitioners that can help alleviate the symptoms associated with bleeding in between periods. Some help reduce Qi stagnation and improve blood circulation. Others help to improve estrogen levels and improve spleen Qi deficiency. These herbs include:

• Dong Quai: Known by the scientific name of angelica sinensis, Dong Quai is often recommended for symptoms related to spotting in between periods. Not only does Dong Quai have estrogen-like qualities, but it can also help to improve a woman’s secretion and use of estrogen. Studies have shown that Dong Quai is effective in encouraging the growth of estrogen receptors cells.

• Jia Wei Xiao Yao San: This herbal concoction is made from peony and bupleurum. It has been shown to regulate the menstrual cycle and nourish the blood. Jia Wei Xiao Yao San can even help to improve liver blood deficiency and spleen Qi deficiency.

• Yi Mu Cao: Herb Leonuri, also referred to as Yi Mu Cao, has been used to treat blood stasis as well as some of the symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Yi Mu Cao supplies Qi to the spleen and while supply blood and heat to the liver.

• Dan Shen: Also called Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae, Dan Shen helps to relieve intermenstrual bleeding thanks to its estrogenic In addition to its ability to stimulate estrogen receptors, it also has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-depressive effects.

Conclusion:

Women who are struggling with spotting between periods should consult with a TCM practitioner to discuss their options. There are many non-invasive, drug-free treatments that have a proven track record of brining relief. Acupuncture can help to relieve dampness and blood stasis while moxibustion can help to promote Qi circulation. Medicinal herbs such as Dong Quai and Dan Shen can help to correct estrogen levels. If you are looking for relief from bleeding between periods, TCM may have a solution that can help bring an end to intermenstrual bleeding.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We can’t guarantee the treatment result, as the symptoms of conditions are unpredictable and vary greatly from person to person. The treatment length and recovery time also varies for individual. Please visit our clinics website: GinSen where a specialists will discuss your care and provide a consultation, and the treatment will be designed to meet your individual needs.