The length of a woman's menstrual cycle varies from one woman to another, though the average length is 28 days. Maintaining a regular cycle is one sign of a good woman's general and reproductive health. However, many women in the U.S. experience irregular periods. Irregular periods range from heavier, lighter, shorter, prolonged, missed, and painful menstruation.

If you have wondered how to regulate your irregular periods or manage menstrual pain, there is a solution for you. TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) provides options that can help identify and address the underlying cause instead of having to depend on contraceptive hormones.

At Art of Chinese Healing, we offer time-tested, holistic solutions to enhance reproductive health and restore body balance. Our qualified TCM practitioners will deliver the best possible result from your treatment. If you wish to undergo treatment in Los Angeles, please contact us.

What Are Irregular or Painful Periods?

A normal period cycle lasts twenty-one to thirty-five days. However, your menstrual cycle length may fall within the normal range yet vary by 7 to 9 days from one cycle to another. If that happens, it is deemed a symptom of irregular menstruation.

You want to remember that defining menstruation as irregular means several things:

  • Amenorrhea, or missing periods. It refers to the absence of menstrual blood for at least three cycles when a woman is not pregnant.
  • Oligomenorrhea, or light periods. It refers to infrequent menstruation with a cycle that goes beyond 35 days
  • Menorrhagia, or heavy periods: A heavier than usual or prolonged flow.
  • Dysmenorrhea refers to painful menstruation
  • Polymenorrhea, which means very frequent period cycles

Apart from these kinds of irregular menstruation, some women:

  • Have shortened cycles,
  • Bleed between cycles, or
  • Menstruate less than three weeks apart

Causes of Painful and Irregular Periods Per TCM

There are several general causes of irregular periods. Some of them are:

  • Premature menopause, menopause, or perimenopause: During the menopause period, the ovaries do not function properly. This results in low estrogen levels. Low levels of estrogen cause no or irregular periods.
  • Lower body weight: Lower weight may interrupt hormonal function and stop ovulation. That is because this state can lead to hypothalamus suppression. Women with lower body weight can have very low estrogen levels.
  • Hormonal imbalance: In some women, PCOS can be the cause of irregular menstruation. That is because it triggers hormonal imbalance. Women with PCOS have high estrogen and male hormone levels, which remain high. High hormone levels can lead to decreased pituitary hormone levels. Pituitary hormones are responsible for ovulation and menstruation. Thus, their imbalance makes periods irregular.
  • Stress: Stress may suppress and change the functioning of the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is the brain area that controls the hormones regulating the menstrual cycle. This affects ovulation, and menstrual blood may become irregular or stop. Often, after stress ends, your menstrual cycle will return to regular.
  • Excessive or intense exercise: Intense exercise may result in hormonal imbalance.
  • Weight gain: Women who are overweight tend to have too much estrogen levels. Higher-than-normal estrogen levels cause hormonal imbalance.
  • Uterine scarring (Asherman's syndrome): Scar tissues in the uterus impede the normal shedding and buildup of the uterine lining. This results in missed or very light menstruation.
  • Breastfeeding and pregnancy
  • Pituitary tumor: A non-cancerous (benign) tumor in the pituitary gland. This tumor causes increased prolactin, which interferes with the menstrual cycle.
  • Fibroids and uterine polyps
  • Medication: A particular medication can cause periods to become irregular or stop.
  • Chronic illness: A chronic disease can result in your periods being late as it delays ovulation. The cycle will normalize after you recover from the illness

TCM dives deeper into the causes of irregular periods. According to it, other causes of irregular or painful periods include the following:

Spleen Deficiency

The spleen's role is to move foods and fluids all over the body. Thus, a spleen deficiency means the body is not receiving the prerequisite nutrients and fluids. If there is qi deficiency, it can lead to dampness. Dampness can then result in blood stasis and coldness. If you experience spleen deficiency, you might exhibit symptoms such as a heavy menstrual flow or clots in period discharge.

Stagnation of Liver Qi

The liver manages blood storage and the flow of qi. It also plays an essential role in digestion. The liver even helps regulate the period cycle. If liver qi has stagnated, it might result in heavy, irregular, or delayed periods. Some signs that show stagnation include menstrual pain and breast tenderness. When liver qi is excess and untreated, it might lead to liver heat.

TCM for irregular menstruation suggests that these signs might result from too many pessimistic emotions and stress. Some foods and toxins may also result in liver heat. If your liver qi has stagnated, you may experience light-colored menstruation accompanied by thin, white vaginal discharge.

Persistent liver qi stagnation may also lead to reckless blood and blood heat per TCM. Symptoms may include headaches, restlessness, or irritability.

Kidney Qi Deficiency

Kidney qi is critical in regulating the menstruation cycle. Late menstruation is a sign of deficiency in kidney yang. This deficiency can result in stagnation and coldness. When there is a yin deficiency, it can result in earlier menstruation. Continued kidney depletion will poorly impact your reproductive health. If you have kidney deficiency, you may experience sore breasts or bloating at the onset of your cycle.

Blood stagnation: It sounds counterintuitive that stagnation may cause a heavy flow. It would appear that stagnation would stop blood flow. However, Qi and blood must flow freely through the body to maintain good health. Symptoms might include blood clots, sharp abdominal pain, and pain intensified with pressure to the abdomen. 

While Western medicine generally relies on surgery or medication, TCM provides a holistic treatment. It is a more natural approach and addresses the underlying causes.

TCM for Painful Or Irregular Periods

TCM views the period cycle in four phases: qi, blood, yin, and yang. It closely links menstrual health to blood and qi flow in the body. Any imbalances, deficiencies, or blockages in blood or qi can disrupt the period cycle. When blood is discharged during menstruation, TCM tries to circulate energy (Qi) while nourishing it.

While the ovarian follicles mature, that is when yin and blood should be most plentiful. Thus, nourishing yin and blood while circulating qi and blood is essential. As you start ovulating, yin, with qi's help, becomes yang.

Treating irregular periods with TCM aims to revitalize blood and Qi while nourishing the heart. After ovulation, yang becomes plentiful. During this period, qi and blood must be nourished as qi is increased and circulated. The following TCM techniques are used to treat irregular periods.

  1. Acupuncture Treatment for Painful and Irregular Periods

Acupuncture refers to a treatment technique used in TCM. It entails inserting thin needles into particular points on the body. This technique has been utilized to treat several conditions, including irregular periods. It works by stimulating given points on the body that practitioners believe regulate energy (qi) flow throughout the body. When qi flow is disrupted, it may cause different health issues, including irregular periods.

Acupuncture is among the most common TCM therapies for menstrual health. It is a drug-free and safe treatment that can help relieve painful and irregular periods. This treatment aims to alleviate the symptoms resulting in:

  • Frequent or absent periods
  • Heavy or light flow
  • Other forms of period irregularities

Here is how acupuncture treatment can help:

  • Acupuncture enhances ovulation by increasing blood flow to the ovaries to support the maturation of a healthy egg.
  • Anxiety and stress are among the common causes of irregular menstruation. Acupuncture can help here, too. It can lower psychological stress by returning balance to the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems.
  • It assists in clearing heat, reducing phlegm, and invigorating the blood, returning periods to a regular modulation.
  • The therapy can enhance blood flow, especially to the uterus and ovaries. This helps thicken the endometrium, which in turn improves the menstrual cycle.
  • The treatment can improve light flow due to its capability to encourage blood flow.
  • Acupuncture treatment is also proven to provide relief for women with heavy periods.
  • Acupuncture stimulates particular points in the body, helping regulate blood and qi flow and alleviating various symptoms, such as hormonal imbalances, irregular cycles, and cramps.

Acupuncturists suggest having weekly sessions of acupuncture. That is irrespective of whether you have missing, irregular, or heavy periods. During menstruation, acupuncture aims to enhance blood flow to the uterus. This enables the successful shedding of the endometrial lining. Acupuncture during periods reduces symptoms like nausea, pain, cramps, and clots.

  1. Moxibustion

Moxibustion therapy entails burning moxa (a type of dried mugwort) close to particular acupoints. It works by warming the body, easing stagnation, and stimulating energy and blood flow. The treatment also stimulates the release of hormones that cause contractions in the uterus, reducing cramps and menstrual pain. Moxibustion is particularly effective for women with cold-induced menstrual problems, like cramps or delayed periods. It works by

  1. Herbal Medicine for Irregular Periods

Herbal medicine is another crucial aspect of TCM that can assist in regulating the period cycle. Chinese herbs restore harmony and balance to the body, improving overall wellness and health. Chinese herbal medicine is tailored to every individual's needs. Herbs commonly used to treat menstrual irregularities are

  • Bupleurum (Chai Hu): Assists in balancing hormones and relieving stress
  • Angelica Sinensis (Dang Gui or Dong Quai): This is otherwise called the female ginseng. This herbal medicine regulates menstruation, nourishes blood, and enhances blood flow.
  • Ginger: This herb contains anti-inflammatory properties. It can assist in reducing cramps and other period-related discomforts.
  • White Peony Root (Bai Shao): Alleviates cramps and supports liver health
  • Chaste Tree Berry: Enhances general reproductive health and regulates hormone levels.
  • Goji berries: These are rich in antioxidants. They strengthen the kidney and liver systems, which are believed to regulate menstrual health.

TCM practitioners often combine more than one herb to customize formulations. You should always use herbal therapy under the instructions and guidance of an expert TCM practitioner. That way, you will ensure correct dosing and prevent possible side effects.

  1. Lifestyle and Diet Changes

Diet and lifestyle are central to traditional Chinese medicine's approach to health. Often, practitioners recommend diets customized to the patient's menstrual needs and constitution. Here is a general overview

Exercise

Routine exercises are also ideal if you experience irregular periods. Gentle exercises boost serotonin and promote blood circulation. Low-impact stress management exercises, like Tai Chi or yoga, are highly recommended. Adequate rest is also an essential component of the TCM approach. These practices assist in supporting hormonal stability and maintaining the smooth flow of qi.

Balanced Diet

TCM stresses the importance of a balanced diet to support menstrual health. Eating healthy foods helps relieve irregular menstruation. Foods containing vitamin E, like spinach, pumpkin, almonds, asparagus, and avocado, can improve blood flow toward the uterus. This, in turn, improves the lining of the uterus. Foods containing l-arginine, like fish and chicken, can also strengthen the uterus.

Vitamins C and B are also essential to include in a healthy diet. Vitamin C strengthens capillaries, resulting in a reduction in bleeding. Vitamin B complex helps the liver metabolize estrogen.

Avoid eating sugary, raw, and cold foods and drinking cold liquids. These can result in stagnation in blood flow and dampness. Add warm foods like cinnamon, red dates, and ginger to your diet. Also, eat foods rich in nutrients, like lean protein, legumes, and leafy greens. These assist in nourishing the blood.

The Benefits of TCM For Period Irregularities

High-stress levels, fast-paced, and other factors often aggravate period irregularities. TCM provides a holistic treatment approach that addresses symptoms and promotes general well-being. The following are some of the benefits of choosing TCM for your menstrual health:

  • Natural remedies: Traditional Chinese medicine utilizes natural herbs and noninvasive techniques. Thus, it is a more secure alternative to Western medicine.
  • Personalized treatments: With TCM, every woman's treatment plan is customized depending on her unique symptoms and constitution.
  • Long-term benefits: The long-term benefits of TCM include:
    • TCM addresses the underlying cause of period irregularities, improving menstrual health sustainably.
    • Acupuncture promotes ovulation by increasing blood circulation to the ovaries to support healthy egg maturation. It also assists in promoting the Luteinizing Hormone (LH) surge, triggering the release of the egg from the dominant follicle on the ovary.
    • Managing endometriosis and PCOS: Acupuncture treatment may alleviate inflammation and improve ovarian function if you have endometriosis and PCOS
    • Enhanced fertility: By alleviating irregular cycles and hormonal imbalance, TCM treatments can support conception and enhance fertility
    • Digestive health: Traditional Chinese medicine often simultaneously addresses reproductive problems and digestive imbalances. That is because these two systems are closely connected. Improved digestion alleviates constipation, bloating, and nausea linked to menstrual disorders.
    • Emotional health: TCM's holistic approach stresses emotional well-being alongside physical health, encouraging a balanced mind.

TCM for Managing PMS Symptoms

Apart from dealing with menstrual cramping, women may also have premenstrual syndrome (PMS). This includes experiencing:

  • Breast tenderness,
  • Mood swings,
  • Bloating,
  • Changes in appetite,
  • Migraine
  • Acne

All these add to the stress of menstruation. However, TCM treatments like acupuncture will assist in alleviating these symptoms. Despite its popularity for relieving body pain, acupuncture can also directly impact your mental health, particularly during menstruation.

Stimulating various acupoints can reduce PMS symptoms and physical pains. This will help you feel much better and more relaxed. TCM practitioners will generally prescribe herbal medicine that goes hand in hand with acupuncture to help you further manage any PMS signs. The herbs also assist in replenishing the nutrition your body requires, soothing the liver qi to alleviate emotional stress and promoting blood flow to prevent the formation of blood clots.

TCM for Managing Menopausal Symptoms

Not only younger women experience menstrual issues. Older women aged 45 to 55 and transitioning to menopause might also develop menopause syndrome. This condition is characterized by experiencing symptoms such as

  • Mood swings
  • Irregular period flow
  • Hot flushes
  • Night sweats

Combining herbal medications and acupuncture can balance any imbalance between yang and yin, focusing on the liver, kidney, and spleen. This will alleviate menopausal symptoms and make the whole menopause stage less stressful, allowing you to age gracefully.

Considerations for Choosing Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine provides promising benefits for managing menstrual disorders and hormonal imbalances. However, it is crucial to consider these factors while using this treatment.

  • Consult a qualified practitioner. Work with a licensed TCM practitioner who comprehends your specific health needs. The practitioner will tailor a treatment plan accordingly, ensuring safe and effective care.
  • Combine with Western medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine can complement Western medicine. However, you should not replace Western medicine with TCM without medical counsel. For intricate reproductive health problems, consult your doctor for an integrative approach.
  • Individual variability. Treatments with TCM vary broadly depending on a patient's constitution. Not all practices or herbs work the same for everybody. Thus, be patient as you find what will be ideal for you.

Find an Experienced TCM Specialist Near Me

Irregular periods can be uncomfortable and frustrating. However, they do not have to be a lifetime struggle. TCM provides an effective and safe way to regulate the period cycle and enhance general reproductive health. At Art of Chinese Healing, our qualified practitioners can develop a personalized treatment plan that will work for you. Call us now at 310-405-1610 for treatment in Los Angeles and to learn more about how TCM can assist with irregular periods.