Common Symptoms Associated with Menorrhagia

Having an abnormally heavy period is more than just a monthly inconvenience for some women. Many women report symptoms of:

• Excessive bleeding: Soaking through one or more sanitary pads or tampons every hour for several consecutive hours.
• Prolonged periods: Menstrual bleeding lasting more than 7 days.
• Large blood clots: Passing clots larger than a quarter in size.
• Low iron levels: Blood loss from heavy periods can lead to iron deficiency.
• Fatigue and weakness: Often a result of anemia caused by low iron levels.
• Bloating and cramping: More intense than usual menstrual cramps.
• Disrupted daily life: Heavy flow interfering with work, exercise, or social activities.
• Mood changes: Irritability or low mood related to discomfort and fatigue.

Common Causes of Heavy Period (Menorrhagia) According to Chinese Medicine 

According to TCM, most types of menstrual irregularities are caused by imbalances in the body. For example:

• Heat due to liver Qi stagnation: The liver is responsible for moving both Qi and blood. In women, it works as the regulator of the menstrual When there is stagnation of the liver Qi, some women will experience irregular, delayed, or heavy periods. Other signs of liver Qi stagnation are sore breasts and menstrual pain, as well as the mental stress that is often associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

When there is heat due to liver Qi stagnation, menstrual blood tends to be bright or dark in colour. This heat also irritates the nervous system, resulting in pain, anxiety, irritability, and sometimes worsened cramps. The heat can dry body fluids, contributing to dehydration, headaches, and a feeling of internal pressure or agitation during the period.

“The stagnant liver qi turns into heat, which heats up the blood and causes excessive bleeding.”

• Spleen and Kidney Qi Deficiency: When Qi deficiency is present, this may lead to dampness. When the spleen is not in balance, it does a poor job of moving food and fluids. In the instance of spleen Qi deficiency, the spleen will not be able to properly move food and fluid throughout the body. This disruption is the cause of both fluid accumulation and dampness. Those with Qi deficiency may find that their menstrual blood is pale and diluted. 

The Kidneys provide the foundational energy for reproductive health. When both Kidney and Spleen are weak, the body cannot properly contain or regulate menstrual blood, causing heavy bleeding, fatigue, and a sense of exhaustion or weakness during the cycle. Poor digestive function from Spleen deficiency also leads to bloating, water retention, and sluggishness around the period.

• Blood stasis/ stagnation:  When blood flow becomes blocked or stagnant, it prevents smooth circulation in the uterus. This creates intense or prolonged bleeding as the body tries to push out what is stuck. Blood stasis can result in dark red blood with the presence of clots, dark red or purplish blood, sharp pain, and a feeling of pelvic pressure.

Stasis often develops from chronic stress, past inflammation, trauma, or unresolved menstrual issues. In Chinese Medicine, both heat and phlegm can lead to blood stasis, so Chinese medicine for heavy period aims to clear heat and invigorate the blood. The blood flow in a woman’s body begins to slow when she develops blood stasis or stagnation.

• Stress and other lifestyle factors : Such as diet play a large role in menorrhagia. Unmanaged stress will lead to stagnant Qi. Often associated with liver deficiency, stagnant Qi can cause discomfort and cramping. In the long term, stagnant Qi can lead to blood stasis. Consumption of alcohol and coffee can also result in menorrhagia. Alcohol can have a dampening effect, and coffee can lead to blood and yin deficiency.

Natural Treatment For Heavy Period 

Traditional Chinese Medicine addresses menorrhagia with a holistic approach. Rather than just treating the symptoms associated with heavy period, the aim of TCM is to get to the root cause. Examples of effective, natural menorrhagia treatment include acupuncture, diet changes, and other lifestyle modifications.

1. Acupuncture:

Used in TCM for centuries, acupuncture has been shown in studies to be an effective natural heavy period treatment. A study out of the Penn Integrative Pediatrics in Houston, Texas successfully used acupuncture to reduce phlegm, clear heat, and invigorate the blood of a teenage girl struggling with menorrhagia. After ten treatments with acupuncture, the patient reported having regular monthly periods.

Excess estrogen levels that cause excessive menstrual bleeding can be addressed with acupuncture. Heavy bleeding is often associated with anemia, and women complain of extreme exhaustion as a result. By getting to the root cause with acupuncture even these symptoms can be treated. Acupuncture can also help if you are experiencing irregular or light period, PCOS or even having fertility struggles due to heavy period.

2. Supplements:

Heavy or irregular periods can be influenced by stress, hormonal imbalance, and low energy. GinSen’s herbal kits are designed to support menstrual health by nourishing blood, regulating hormones, and improving circulation to help reduce heavy flow and promote a balanced cycle.

• Stress & Irregular Periods Kit : Contains herbs like Dong Quai, white peony root, bupleurum, Astragalus, and Chinese yam that work together to improve blood circulation, nourish the blood, regulate hormones, and reduce stress-related stagnation, helping to normalise heavy or irregular menstrual flow.

• Stress & Low-Immune Kit : By strengthening Qi, boosting energy, and supporting immune function, this kit indirectly helps menstrual health by reducing stress and fatigue, which can contribute to heavy bleeding.

• Menstrual Maintenance (Menstro Support) : Includes Astragalus, fennel seed, rosehip, and vitamin B6 to balance hormones, improve uterine blood flow, ease cramping, and support overall cycle regulation, helping to reduce heavy flow and clotting.

3. Diet: A diet rich in Vitamins A, B, and C can also act as a natural heavy period treatment. Foods with Vitamin A include carrots and yams. B-complex vitamins, found in eggs and meat, can help the liver to metabolize estrogen. Vitamin C, found in citrus fruits and Brussels sprouts, helps to reduce bleeding by strengthening capillaries. Reducing the consumption of cold liquids will help prevent Qi stagnation. Sweetened foods will create dampness, so it is best to avoid sugar.

4. Stress reduction: Since stress is a leading cause of liver Qi stagnation and heavy period, it is important to make some lifestyle changes to reduce stress. Incorporating yoga or meditation will help to reduce stress and is an effective natural menorrhagia treatment.

5. Exercise: Getting plenty of exercise is also recommended in Chinese medicine for heavy period. A regular exercise routine will help to improve metabolism and boost the creation of both blood and Qi. Try getting about 30 minutes of aerobic exercise daily, such as light jogging or cycling, to improve circulation, mood, and sleep quality.

Conclusion:

Chinese medicine for heavy period recognises that menorrhagia is more than just having to change a sanitary napkin more frequently. Periods lasting longer than a week accompanied by pain and blood clots are often an indicator of imbalance in the body. Thankfully, there are many natural menorrhagia treatments that can bring relief. Acupuncture can clear heat and invigorate the blood.

Avoiding sweets and including vitamins A, B, and C will also help to improve symptoms. Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction techniques and aerobic exercise should be incorporated regularly. If you are looking for a natural heavy period treatment, then reach out to a TCM practitioner to discuss your options.

* 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.