Menstrual Irregularities - a Chinese Herbal Prescription

 By John Fung

Menstrual irregularities comprise various symptoms:
o There is too much pain during the menstrual cycle.
o The cycle used to arrive too early or too late.
o The cycle lasts for too long or too short each time.
o The amount of blood flow is too much or too little.
o Menstrual irregularities can be artificially induced by using birth-control pills.
Menstrual irregularities can result in the following conditions:
o If irregularities persist for a long time, it may result in reduced fertility.
o Emotional ups and downs usually accompany irregular menstrual cycles.
o If the cycle is too late or too short, irritability or pimple eruption are the usual symptoms.
o If the cycle comes too early or lasts too long, it will cause blood loss and tiredness.
A menstrual prescription should address four things: regulate the cycle, nourish the blood, strengthen the kidneys/sex organs, and reduce pain. The herbs commonly used for menstrual regulation are the Four Treasures consisting of four versatile herbs. They work both ways whether the cycle comes early or late, too long or too short, and regardless of the quantity of blood flow. The Four Treasures are best employed as a platform where other herbs can be added depending on the patient's condition.
The following herbs are recommended as a combination:
1) Regulate cycle
Sheng Di Huang
Chi Shao
Dang Gui
Chuan Xiong
2) Nourish blood
Xiang Fu
Dan Shen
E Jiao
3) Strengthen kidneys/sex organs
Rou Cong Rong
Fu Pen Zi
Nu Zhen Zi
4) Reduce pain
Chuan Lian Zi
Niu Xi
Ru Xiang
A total of 13 herbs are used.

For further information, go to http://www.herbsandtea.com Herb packages or capsules can be tailor-made to suit your needs.
A video presentation is given on http://www.youtube.com Search "askjohnfung" to see different topics being discussed.
John Fung is a practicing Chinese herbalist in San Jose, California, specializing in cancer recovery, allergy, anxiety, fertility, digestive disorder, skin problems, and other non-emergency conditions.

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Menstrual Cycle and Irregularity - How To Deal With This Type of Disorder

 By Pinky S. Mishra

We all know that menstrual cycle is very important to us but we should also know about Menstrual Cycle an irregularity- how to deal with this type of disorder that one face during the period. The irregularities in cycle are known as Amenorrhea. If you are having your period regularly and then it suddenly stops for some months then it is secondary Amenorrhea and if you never had menstruation then it is primary Amenorrhea. Another irregularity is irregular ovulating which can happen due to some inherent problems in your reproductive system. Some times when you do vigorous dieting you might not ovulate at all this can also affect your fertility.
Though it is said that a normal menstrual cycle is of 28 days but mostly it is different with different women. The irregularities also include scanty or heavy bleeding. Some times periods happen two times during a cycle. One should always track such irregularities as there might some complications underlying these problems so knowing menstrual cycle an irregularity- how to deal with this types of disorder is also important. Sometimes even one faces bowel that is linked to irregular periods this sometimes comes along with diarrhea or abdominal pain. If these irregularities stay for a short period then there is no cause of worry but if they persist over a long term then medical treatment is necessary.
You can also some precautions from your side to avoid period cycle an irregularity- how to deal with this types of disorder. Stress can lead to many irregularities in the menstrual cycle, so try to reduce your stress level. For this you can opt for meditation that will help you cope with stress. Food habits can be another reason for menstrual irregularities. Follow healthy food habits so that you intake vitamins and proteins maximum during periods. You should eat lot of vegetables and food especially that containing calcium. It is suggested not to exercise forcefully just a walk for some days will also work. Where necessary go for a medical treatment. When medical treatment is given often hormonal contraceptives are used to regulate menstrual cycle and helps in maintaining a balance of hormones in your body. You can either take them orally or through injections. Sometimes when the hormonal problem is specific then even supplements are given to regulate your periods but you should not take these without consulting a doctor.

Pinky Mishra is a Health adviser. For more tips on feminine hygiene and organic cloth menstrual pads visit her website.

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Irregular Menstruation and Menstrual Abnormalities

 By Neal K

Puberty and menopause mark the two ends of the spectrum of a woman's reproductive life. Puberty is characterized by the onset of menstruation, development of breasts and appearance of secondary sex characteristics. The age for onset of puberty may vary across individuals, yet the start of regular menstruation before 8 years of age or delay beyond 16 years of age requires medical advice. Similarly, in the case of menopause, cessation of menstruation before 40 yrs of age or continuation after 53 years of age is unusual and a cause of medical attention. Both ends of the spectrum of a woman's reproductive life are period of great hormonal, emotional as well as physical change.
Menstrual Irregularities
During the reproductive phase of a woman's life, menstruation occurs every 21 days with bleeding lasting 5-7 days. In many cases the cycles tend to be erratic at puberty and menopause. Any cycle length in the range of 25-30 days is normal. Menstrual irregularities can be:

• Amenorrhoea - is the absence of a menstrual period in a woman of reproductive age. It may be a situation wherein a girl does not start to menstruate at all or menstruation stops after a certain period of time.
• Oligomenorrhea or Hypomenorrhea- The menstrual cycle is infrequent with intervals of more than 40 days or is extremely light and scanty.
• Menorrhagia - Menstrual bleeding is abnormally heavy, clotted and prolonged although occurring at regular intervals. Women tend to get anemic in this condition.
• Metrorrhagia - cycle length is shorter than 20 days it its often associated with Menorrhagia.
• Irregular vaginal bleeding- bleeding occurs at irregular intervals in varying quantities and may last almost throughout the month.
• PMS (Premenstrual syndrome)- It may vary from mild to extreme. It is associated with feeling of bloating, pain in the legs, headaches and mood swings. Symptoms of PMS can interfere with normal social life.
• Dysmonhorrea- Although not to be confused with menstrual irregularities, it is a medical condition characterized by severe uterine pain during menstruation. In many cases the pain is so severe as to hamper even day to day activities requires and use of pain killers.

Causes: Menstrual patterns can be influenced by changes in general health, sudden weight loss or weight gain, stressful life situations, metabolic disorders, certain infections, and anatomical and hormonal changes. Treatment depends on:

1. type of menstrual irregularity
2. age and built of patient
3. associated physical illness or other symptoms
4. hormonal changes which can detected by blood testing
5. desire for fertility or contraception
6. anatomical abnormalities

Types of treatment:

1. lifestyle modifications
2. exercises like yoga
3. meditation practices to manage stress
4. herbal supplements
5. hormonal supplements
6. surgical or interventional procedures

Since these problems may be long lasting and in many cases no obvious abnormalities are detected; it is better to start with treatment modalities that have few or no side effects and are simple to use.
Recommended Herbal Remedies and Herbs Supplements for Irregular Menstruation.

• Shatavari - A natural herb used to regulate hormonal secretion
• M2 Tone - a popular herbal supplement

Please click here to know more about Herbal Supplements for Women
Neal K is a keen follower of trends in Ayurveda and Herbal Supplements. He also has professional interests in the field and manages health related websites and blogs.

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Fibroids and Uterine Bleeding

Fibroids, also known as Fibromyoma uteri or leiomyoma uteri, are benign tumors originated from the muscle tissue that adhere to either the inner or outer of the uterine wall. According to the statistic from National Uterine Fibroid Foundations approximately 80% of all women have uterine fibroids with the majority usually have no symptoms. Every 10 minutes, 12 hysterectomies are performed in the United States alone.

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Symptoms
Most common symptoms of fibroids uterine bleeding and pelvic pressure, but most women with small fibroids tumor are experience no symptoms at all, depending to the location and size of the tumors.
1. Uterine bleeding
Prolonged and/or profuse uterine bleeding are one of most common symptoms of fibroids, but women with submucous fibroids are particularly prone to this complication.
2. Pelvic pressure
It can be caused by the size and location of the fibroids as it can interfere with bowel movements and painful defecation or urinary frequency and incontinence.
3. Painful periods and sexual intercourse
As the result of over size fibroid.
4. Abdominal discomfort or bloating

As the result of over size fibroid.

5. Painful Defecation

As the result of over size fibroid.

6. Backache

As the result of the pressure of oversize fibroids.

7. Anemia
It may be result of heavy bleeding.
8. Infertility
Although it is considered uncommon affected only 3% of all cases , but it can happen, if the fibroids are in the stage of severity. In a study of "Pregnancy-related changes in the size of uterine leiomyomas" by Neiger R, Sonek JD, Croom CS, Ventolini G. Source Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, USA. rneiger@mvh.org for evaluated 137 leiomyomas in 72 women (average, 2.3 +/- 1.8 per woman). Each underwent an average of 3.7 +/- 2.1 scans. The average gestational age at the time of first assessment was 14.4 +/- 5.4 weeks. The average diameter of the leiomyomas at the first study was 34.2 +/- 23 mm. On average, there was no significant change in the size of leiomyomas during pregnancy. We found that the size, location and our ability to visualize leiomyomas varied significantly during pregnancy. Four of the 72 women had obstetric complications related to the presence of leiomyomas., researchers concluded that The findings of our longitudinal sonographic assessment of 137 uterine leiomyomas suggest that despite the commonly held belief that they tend to enlarge during the course of pregnancy, this phenomenon is in fact quite rare.

9. Miscarriage
If the fibroid are growth large enough, it can interfere and cause miscarriage.

10. Premature labor
It may be as as result of the fibroid interfering with growth of the fetus.

11. Etc.

Diagnosis
If you are experience certain symptoms of the above, it is advised that you should check with your doctor for fibroids. After taking the family history and physical exam, including
1. Pelvic examination
Pelvic examination taken when there is no menstruation and advised not to have sex for at least 24 hours, is type of complete physical exam of a woman pelvic organ by a medical instrument to detect any infection, abnormal cells growth such as cysts, fibroid, Etc. The pap test usually is also taken. If your doctor found any abnormal cells growth or suspected uterine cancer, further tests may be suggested, icluding

2. Pelvic ultrasound
Ultrasound allows your doctor to visualize the kidneys and around structures and to assess blood flow to the uterus as well as looking for any abnormal cells growth mass, including fibroids.

3. Pelvic MRI
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is one of many advanced technology used to visualize internal structures cross sectional imaging of your body used effectively in providing the better details of the fibroids in the uterus and surrounding areas.
4. Etc.

Causes and risk factors
1. Recurrent miscarriage
Women who have family history of miscarriage with fibroids are at higher riks of recurrent miscarriages.

2. Age and before menopause
Women who are over the age of 30 are at increased risks of fibroids.

3. Hormone estrogen
According to the article of "Fibroid Research Update from the American Society of Reproductive Medicine Conference" posted on fibroids-a gynecologist's second opinion, the author indicated that Women with fibroids have normal blood levels of estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen dominance does not cause fibroids. Fibroid cells can make their own estrogen, so the level of estrogen inside fibroids is higher than in blood or other tissues.

4. Hormone progesterone
in a study of "Progesterone Is Essential for Maintenance and Growth of Uterine Leiomyoma" by Ishikawa H, Ishi K, Serna VA, Kakazu R, Bulun SE, Kurita T. Endocrinology. 2010 Apr 7, researchers found that found that estrogen plus progesterone stimulated growth of fibroid cells, and this growth was blocked with anti-progesterones. Withdrawal of progestrone caused fibroid tissue to shrink. Interestingly, estradiol (estrogen) without progesterone had no effect in this study.

5. Xanoestrogen
According to the study of "Xenoestrogens the cause of Uterine Fibroid Tumors ( Myomas ) by Elizabeth Smith, M.D.

6. Heridity

Women who have a family history of fibroid are at greater risk of developing fibriod.

7. Etc.

Prevention

A. How to prevent
1. Exercise

Exercise increases blood flow to the uterus thus reducing the risk of fibroids

2. Avoid excessive animal fat and trans fat
Animal fat and tran fat enhance the over production of estrogen in the body, thus increasing the risk of fibroids.

3. Fried food

They contain high amount of fat and trans fat.

4. Excessive drinking

excessive damage the liver function in controlling the production of prostaglandin hormones, that cause heavy menstruation and menstrual cramps and pain.

5. Smoking

Smoking increase the risk of free radical attacks and free radical chain attacks and decrease the immune system in fight against irregular cells growth.

6. Etc.

B. Diet (please read 100+ Healthy Foods Classification for more information)
1. Whole grains

Whole gains contains high amounts of fiber which help to detoxify the environment toxins accumulated in the body including xanoestrogen and enhance the liver function in reducing the risk of over production of prostaglandin hormone that can lead to uterine bleeding.

2. Vegetables and fruits

Vegetables and fruits contain high amount of antioxidants of which can increase immune system fighting against the irregular cells growth and damage from free radicals attack.

3. Soy

Soy contains high amount of antioxidants and phytoestrogen that can promote the immune system as well as balance the levbels of estrogen and progesterone hormones.

4. Legumes and beans

Legumes and beans contain are rich in phytoestrogens and act as fibroid fighters.

5. Water

Drinking 8 cups of water a day increases the blood flow of the uterus, thus reducing the risk of fibroid growth.

6. Etc.

C. Nutritional supplements
1. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids

Balancing Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids can enhance the liver function and protect against the over production of prostaglandins hormone, thus reducing the uterline muscle constraction.

2. Antioxidants scavengers

Vitamin A, C, E are antioxidant scavengers, they protect the cells against the free articles and chain free articles attack and ehance the immune system in fighting against irregular cells growth icluding the cells of the muscle tissue that adhere to either the inner or outer of the uterine wall.

a. Vitamin A
b. Vitamin C
c. Vitamin E

For more information of antioxidant, please visit: Antioxidants and cancers and diseases

3. Vitamin D

In a study of "Vitamin D inhibits proliferation of human uterine leiomyoma cells via catechol-O-methyltransferase." by Sharan C, Halder SK, Thota C, Jaleel T, Nair S, Al-Hendy A, researchers found that Vitamin D inhibits growth of human fibroid cells a deficiency of vitamin D might allow fibroids to grow. The authors reference another article that found that while 45% of African-American women have vitamin D deficiency, only 4% of white women have this deficiency.

4. Iron
It is beneficial for women with heavy and profused menstrual flow as a result of oversize fibroid.

5. Phytoestrogen

Phytoestrogens are plant base weak estrogen, they can help to inhibit the rpoduction of bad estrogen by occupying the estrogen receptors sites and balance the levels of estrogen and progesterone, thus reducing the risk of fibroid's growth.

6. Resveratrol

According to the articles of "Resveratrol and Fibroids" posted in Resveratrol, 60 Resveratrol benefits report on online medical research, the author indicated that recent studies conducted by a fibroid research team headed by Dr. Bill Catherino and published and presented at the American Society of Reproductive Medicine Conference in Atlanta indicated that Resveratrol decreases the growth and induce fibroid cell death in vitro.

7. Etc.

Treatments
A. In conventional medicine
According to the study of "Uterine Myomas: An Overview of Development, Clinical Features, and Management" by Wallach, Edward E. MD; Vlahos, Nikos F. MD, researchers indicated that Treatment choices are wide and include pharmacologic, surgical, and radiographically directed intervention. Most myomas can be followed serially with surveillance for development of symptoms or progressive grow. The past century has witnessed development of highly sophisticated diagnostic and therapeutic technology for myomas. The tools currently at our disposal permit greater management flexibility with safe options, which must be tailored to the individual clinical situation.
A. Medication
1. Oral contraceptive pills
a. According to the article of "American Society of Reproductive Medicine Patient Booklet: Uterine Fibroids, 2003" Published by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine under the direction of the Patient Education Committee and the Publications Committee., Oral contraceptive pills can be prescribed to reduce uterine bleeding and cramps.

b. Levonorgestrel (a progestin)
With the implant of the Mirena if the fibroids are small enough to keep the device in place, Levonorgestrel release from the device can effectively shrink the fibroids. According to the study of "The effectiveness of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system in menorrhagia: a systematic review" by Antony Stewart, Carole Cummins, Lisa Gold, Rachel Jordan, Wendy Phillips researchers found thatEffectiveness and cost effectiveness relative to other treatments and the effect on surgical waiting lists can only be established in larger trials measuring patient-centred outcomes in women with menorrhagia.

2. GnRH(Gonadotropin-releasing hormone) agonist
GnRH agonist, Lupron is effective to decrease in GAGs, leading to the shrinking of the fibroids by dehydrating them. Some researchers suggested that Lupron increase the production of estradiols thus reducing the production of estrogen that cause fibroid to shrink.

3. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs therapy is one most effective medicine to relieve menstrual cramping and reduce heavy menstrual bleeding for many women with fibroids as the medication reduce inflammation by inhibiting the effects caused by over production of prostaglandins hormones.

4. Etc.

A. 2. Surgery
1. Myomyectomy

a. Most women with fobrois do not need suhery, unless the sympyoms have become so sever, depending the size and location of fibroids. Myomyectomy is a procedure to remove the fibroids that cause sever symptoms but does not interfere with future conception by uterus reconstruction.
b. Risk and side effect
b.1. Surgerical and anesthesia risk
b.2. New fibroid develop
b.3. Scar tissue that may cause infertiltiy
b.4. Childbirth complcation.
b.5. Etc.

2. Hysterectomy

a. Hysterectomy is the surgical procedure to remove the entire uterus, if infertility is not the concern or you have exausted other options. Please make sure you under stand the risks and side effects of hysterectomy before operating.
b. Risks and side effects
b.1. Surgical and anesthesia risks
b.2. Infertility
b.3. decreased sexual desire
b.4. Depression
b.5. Etc.

3. Fibroid embolization

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is surgical procedure to shrink the fibroids by cutting off the blood supply to the woman's uterus performed by a radiologist. According to the ACOG NEWS RELEASE, January 30, 2004, ACOG Office of Communications, (202) 484-3321

communications@acog.org "ACOG Issues Opinion on Uterine Artery Embolization For Treatment of Fibroids" the release indicated that To date, most data on patient satisfaction, fibroid and uterine size reduction, fertility, and complications are from case reports. In general, the reports have shown a short-term reduction in the size of fibroids and uteri, as well as short-term improvement in menstrual bleeding and other symptoms caused by fibroids. The complication rates associated with UAE are low, but in rare cases can include hysterectomy and death. ACOG recommends that all patients be informed about the potential complications with UAE.
Approximately 50 pregnancies have been reported in women who have had UAE. Nearly 60% of the resulting births were delivered by cesarean, 28% were preterm births, and 13% of patients had postpartum hemorrhage. According to ACOG, this procedure is still considered investigational for patients who may want to become pregnant, as further data are needed to draw conclusions about the safety of UAE in these patients.

4. Surgery with the guide of MRI (magnetic resonance image)
These 2 techniques are new and required further study
a. Ultrasound waves
With the guide of MRI to the precised location of the fibroids in the uterus, then using utrasound waves to destroy them
b. Laser beams
With the guide of MRI to the precised location of the fibroids in the uterus, then using laser beam to destroy them

6. Etc.

B. Herbs
Please consult with your doctor or specialist in the related fields before applying
1. Curcumin
In a study of "Inhibitory effect of curcumin on uterine leiomyoma cell proliferation." by Tsuiji K, Takeda T, Li B, Wakabayashi A, Kondo A, Kimura T, Yaegashi N., researchers found that found that curcumin significantly inhibited ELT-3 cell proliferation. PPARγ was expressed in ELT-3 cells and curcumin acted as a PPARγ ligand. This inhibitory effect of curcumin was attenuated by the treatment of cells with PPARγ antagonist and concluded that these experimental findings in vitro show that the inhibitory effect of curcumin on ELT-3 cell proliferation occurs through the activation of PPARγ. Curcumin may be useful as an alternative therapy for uterine leiomyoma.

2. Chaste berry tree
Chjaste berry tree contains high amounts of phytoestrogen and condidered as the queen herb in herbal medicine as it balance the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the women body. According to the article of "Help for Women With Fibroids" By Susun Weed, the authors write that Vitex or chasteberry tincture, 25-30 drops two to four times daily, often shrinks small fibroids within two months. But results come from long-term use - up to two years.

3. Red Clover
Red Clover has a rich source of phytoestrogen and has been used in herbal medicine to treat fibroids as its function of balance the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the women body by its activity on estrogen receptors. According to the article of Red Clover: Herbal Remedies by Jennifer Brett, N.D., the author wrote that what this means is that some substances in plants produce the same effects in humans as some hormones. Isoflavones in red clover are able to bind to estrogen -- and possibly other -- receptors. They appear to have moderate hormonal effects .

4. Evening Primrose Oil
Evening Primrose Oil helps regulate hormone production and may even shrink fibroids. According to "Uterine fibroid tumors (myomas), like breast fibrocysts, are a product of estrogen dominance (too much estrogen). Estrogen stimulates their growth, and lack of estrogen causes them to atrophy." John Lee, M.D

5. Burdock Root
Burdock Root contains high amount of arctigenin, a natural tumor inhibitor which can help stop and reduce the growth of fibroids.

6. Etc.

C. Traditional Chinese medicine
Please consult with your doctor or specialist in the related fields before applying

1. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, fibroids are classified commonly as the result of either Yin Deficiency Fire, Liver Qi Stagnation with Spleen Qi Deficiency or Qi and Blood Stagnation.In this article, I would like to provide you with Chinese herbs formula Qui Zhi Fu Ling Wan. According to The Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (PPRC) is the official pharmacopoeia of China. The most recent English edition was published in 2000 and comprises two volumes. Volume 1 covers the Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, including Traditional Chinese Patent Medicines, while Volume 2 is dedicated to conventional pharmaceuticals. Gui zhi Fu ling Wan is a brown pill used in Traditional Chinese medicine to "activate blood circulation, to remove blood stasis and mass in the abdomen".

2. Ingredients
a. Gui Zhi ( Cinnamon twig)
Main use: Promotes sweating, Releases the Exterior; Warms the channels, Tonifies the Yang,...
b. Fu Ling (Poria)
Main use: Eliminates Water, Strengthens the Spleen,..
c. Mou Tan Pi
Main use: Clears Heat, Cools and Moves Blood, Eliminates Blood accumulation,...
d. Tao Ren (Peach Seed)
Main use: Moves Blood, Eliminates accumulations, Moistens the Intestines,...movement;
e. Shao yao (Peony)
Main use: removes blood stasis, Relieves pain, Regulates & harmonizes Qi & blood, Clears Heat,...

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Menstrual Conditions/Irregularities - Oligomenorrhea in Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

In TCM, Oligomenorrhea is also considered as one type of irregular menstruation, depending to the unique diagnosis and differentiation of a women. In most similar symptoms of 2 women in irregular menstruation are given different treatments
(Same diseases with different herbs and different diseases with the same herbs)
For more information of Oligomenorrhea, please read Menstrual Cycle - Irregular Menstruation in Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

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Menstrual Conditions/Irregularities- Irregular Menstruation in Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

All women experience irregular period sometimes during their child bearing years, before menopause. While Western medication has never viewed that irregular menstruation is a problem of women reproductive system, traditional Chinese medicine looks at this problem seriously, if left untreated, it will disharmonize the women ecosystem, leading to nervous tension and other health problems, including infertility. Girls in South East Asia have learned in their early women life from grand mother wisdom, that they do not engage in any activity, distorting their regular period.. Irregular period should be treated immediately, otherwise, it may cause wide range of women diseases, such as infertility, according to Traditional Chinese medicine.

Irregular menstruation or period in conventional medicine is defined as condition in which a woman is experience abnormal variation of length of the menstrual cycle. While the normal menstrual cycle is 28-35 days, women who are experience with irregular menstrual cycle can have a length variation between 8 and 20 days or shorter than 21 days, or longer than 36 days.

Symptoms and signs
1. Menstrual bleeding
Menstrual bleeding for women with irregular menstruation is last more than 7 days.

2. Length of period
A length variation of one period to the next is between 8 and 20 days or shorter than 21 days, or longer than 36 days.

3. Heavy bleeding
Heavy bleeding that soaks menstrual pad or tampon every two to three hours is a sgin of irregular menstruation.

4. Amenorrhea
If a woman is experience with absence of period for more 90 days may be a sign of irregular menstruation.

5. Heavy bleeding with Blood clot
In answering the question of irregular period, thick blood, light flow, and clotting, Dr. Dr Rajesh Ramuka indicated that Hello, you need not to worry about your period because passing clot during menses is totally normal as during menses your body release anticoagulant to keep blood thin and prevent it from clotting,but during heavy period blood is released rapidly but anticoagulant do not get enough time to do his work so clot is formed.If you are getting clots of very large size on regular basis then consult your gynecologist.

6. Infertility
Women who are experience irregular menstruation are st higher risk of infertility. According to the article of "Irregular Periods and Getting Pregnant" posted at WebMD, Reviewed by Mikio A. Nihira, MD. the author stated that irregular or abnormal ovulation and menstruation accounts for 30% to 40% of all cases of infertility.

7. Etc.

Causes
1. Hot and spicy foods
Hot and spy may be needed to improve the immune system, increase blood flow to the reproductive organs and warm the uterus for natural conception, but over intake of them may distort the kidney function in nourishing and moistening the body tissue and increase the blood flow, causing over reproduction progesterone and testosterone, resulting in heat accumulated in the body and irregular blood flow.

2. Cool and cold foods
Over eaten some cool and cold foods such as cold drink, icy drink and raw foods over prolong period of time will decrease the yang qi in the body, leading to reducing the qi and energy flow to the reproductive organs. In some sever case, it blocks the flow of energy and increases the risk of accumulation of cold in the body, distorting the the yin phrase of menstrual cycle, causing painful irregular period and increasing the risk of infertility.

3. Occupation
People who work in cold or hot environment may cause the lost of their underlayer of yang or yin weather in the body, because our body need to divert our yang or yin weather to fight the constant cold and hot temperature accordingly. Over a long period of times, if diet can not support the lost of energy and flow in the body, it causes either yang or yin deficiency that distort the normal menstrual cycle, leading to irregular period. In some severe cases, it causes infertility.

4. Rigid exercise
Moderate exercise is alway good for our body, rigid exercise may cause blood moving upward to the organs other than the productive organs, leading to not enough to sustain a menstrual period, thus causing irregular period and infertility in some cases.

5. Raw food diet
Raw food diet is healthier, if compare with the typical American diet. According to traditional Chinese medicine, raw foods are considered yin pathogen, if over intake of them for a prolong period of times will cause yang deficiency, distorting the yang phrase of the normal menstrual cycle, resulting in irregular period and sometimes infertility.

6. Diet against internal weather
Eating slightly opposite to the internal constitution is always recommended. For example, if your internal constitution is yang, then you should eat a slightly more cool foods than people with neutral constitution.

7. Stress
Stress can impair the proper functions of the spleen in food digestion and transporting blood and qi to the reproductive organs, leading to abnormal menstrual period and increasing the risk of infertility.

8. Artificial sweetener and Processed foods
All these foods exhibit the yin and dampness in the body, according to TCM. While deficiency of yang causes the constriction that interferes with spleen function in food digestion and transport nutrients to our body, making our qi flow sluggish, leading to irregular period, weight gain and lack of energy.

9. Imbalance or blockage of the internal organs
Damage or unhealthy diet or emotional stress affect the effectiveness of zhangfu organs to carry theirs function in transformation and distribution of body' fluid, essence, blood, qi, etc. due to excess or deficient pathogens.

10. Blockage of Internal channels
It is caused by the zhangfu organs' inability to move qi along theirs channels.

11. Etc.

Types of irregular menstruation
There are many different causes of irregular period in traditional Chinese medicine but the most common of them are
1. Long Term Irregularity
Women with prolong period of irregular menstrual month after month, such as delay of menstruation, prolong period bleeding, very painful period, etc. should consider to see their doctor immediately. According to traditional Chinese medicine, it is a serious condition, because the entire ecosystem may be distorted, including function of spleen, kidney and liver. If it is left untreated, it not only causes hormone imbalance and other reproductive disorder such as damaging liver, abnormal thyroid function, kidney dysfunction, etc, but also increases the risk of infertility.
Normally, women with long term irregular period may need to harmonize their imbalance for period of at least 3 months by herbs, acupuncture, acupressure, exercise, etc, depending to types of deficiency (spleen, kidney, liver, energy flow, qi and blood deficiency or stagnation,etc.)

2. Sudden or short term irregularity
Short term irregular period may be caused by sudden change in diet or activity that diminishes the spleen function in food digestion and energy transportation caused intake of high spicy food or too much cold drinks, or exhibits the blood or qi stagnation caused by over drinking or toxins accumulated in the liver, reducing the liver function in blood formation, leading to little for menstruation, or decreasing the kidney function in moistening and nourishing the reproductive organ caused the activity or occupation, leading to irregular period. Normally, women with
this type of condition is easier to treat, if you pay attention to your diet and adjust them oppositely to your body internal constitution, you will be fine.

Treatments
A. Kidney Qi Deficiency
A.1. Symptoms
1. Dizziness
2. Ringing in the ears
3. Weak or sore lower back
4. Fatigue
5. Pale complexion
5. Frequent urination
6. Premature ejaculation in men
7. Asthmatic panting upon exertion
8. Weak legs
9. Water retention in the legs
10. Poor appetite
11. Loose stools
12. Amenorrhea
13. Etc.

A.2. Treatments
A.2.1. With herbs
1. Ren shen (Ginseng)
Ren shen is considered as one of most powerful herbs in strengthening the original qi in the body. Besides improving the spleen function in qi absorption, thus reducing the symptoms of distended chest and abdomen cramps and pain, it also enhances the lung qi by moistening the channels.

2. Xi yang shen (American ginseng)
Besides promoting the lung and spleen qi, it also increases the digestive system in absorbing vital energy and reducing the heat causes of qi stagnation by moistening the all qi transportation channels.

3. Dang shen (Pilose asiabell root)
Dang shen is a spleen and lung tonic herbs. It improves the lung function in moving qi smoothly through its channels and spleen function in absorbing qi after foods entering the stomach.

4. Etc.

A. 2.2. With Foods
1. Sweet potato
2. Watercress
3. Cherry
4. Chestnuts
5. Walnuts
6. Mussel
7. Lamb
8. Basil,
9. Black pepper
10. Cinnamon bark
11. Fennel seed
12. Garlic,
13. Ginger
14. Peppermint
15. Sage
16. White pepper
17. Jasmine tea
18. Etc.

B. Liver Qi Stagnation
B.1. Symptoms
1. Heavy or scanty menstrual blood
2. Menstrual blood is either normal or purplish color,
3. Menstrual flow comes and stops with clot
4. Breast tenderness and sore
5. Cramps and pain relieve when menstruation arrives
6. Nervous tensions
a. Depression,
b. Axiety
c. Irritability
d. Frustarte easily
7. Hiccup
8. Sigh
9. Difficulty swallowing
10. Bitter taste in mouth
11. Constipation
12. Etc.

B.2. Treatment
B.2.1. Herbs
1. Xiang Fu (Nut grass rhizome)
It is one the herbs helped to regulate the qi flow by smoothing the liver and congestion of Spleen qi caused by excessive yin or yang, thus reducing qi stagnation caused by disharmonization of liver and Spleen causes of abdominal cramps and pain. It is said that xiang fu also has a function impromoting regular menstruation.

2. Wu Yao (Lindera Root)
Wu yao is one the warm with the main function of warming the kidney caused by kidney yang defieciency. It is only used for patient with evidence of liver qi stagnation caused by prolong intake of cold foods or working in a cold environment. Since its function is to restore the liver qi flow due to cold constraint, it reduces the blood stagnation causes of menstrual pain.

3. Zhi Ke (Ripe fruit of zhi shi)
Zhi ke promote healthy liver, it promotes a strong liver qi function, thereby, increasing its function in blood formation and transportation to the heart for circulation.

4. Bai Shao (White Peony Root)
White peony root nourishes the blood and tones the uterus, it reduces the symptoms of yin deficiency causes of abdomen cramps and pain.

5. Dang Qui (Angelica Root)
Angellica root is considered as a queen herb in TCM, beside helping to tonifies the blood and qi and regulate the women menstruation, it also promotes blood flow to the abdomen, thus reducing the risk of liver qi stagnation.

6. Etc.

B.2.2 Foods
1. Garlic
2. Turmeric
3. Cherries
4. Chicken
5. Tofu
6. Squash
7. Sweet potato
8. Dates
9. Red bean
10. Onions,
11. Mustard greens
12. Watercress
13. Etc.

C. Spleen Qi Deficiency
C.1. Symptoms
1. Weakness
2. Breathing Low
3. Nutrition deficiency
4. Little desire to speak
5. Poor appetite
6. Dizziness and tiredness
7. Headache
8. Abdominal discomfort
9. Indigestion
10. Bloating and gas
11. Etc.

C.2.Treatments
C.2.1. Herbs
1.Ren shen (Ginseng)
Ren shen is considered as one of most powerful herbs in strengthening the original qi in the body. In spleen, it improves the spleen function in qi absorption, thus reducing the symptoms of distended chest and abdomen cramps and pain.

2. Xi yang shen (American ginseng)
Xi yang shen is yin in nature, besides promoting the lung and spleen qi, it also increases the digestive system in absorbing vital energy and reducing the heat causes of qi stagnation by moistening the all qi transportation channels, especially for qi stagnation caused by deficiency of yin.

3. Dang shen (pilose asiabell root)
Dang shen is a spleen and lung tonic herbs. It improves the lung function in moving qi smoothly through its channels and spleen function in absorbing qi after foods entering the stomach. It also helps to restore the qi which is damaged by heat caused by infection, inflammation or heat generated due to excessive fluids accumulation.

4. Tai zi shen (pseudostellaria root)
Besides helping to increase the spleen and lung qi, it also improve the blood transportation and spleen and stomach in absorbing vital energy for our body cells and generates fluids to prevent the heat causes of qi stagnation.

5. Huang qi (astragalus root)
It is one of the herb that helps to increase the function of liver in generating more blood and liver qi in blood transportation due to excessive blood loss during menstruation.

6. Da Zao (Jujube Dates)
It is a good herb for tonifying spleen qi and short of breath and nourishing blood.

7. Etc.

C.2.2. Foods
1. Asparagus
2. Cabbage
3. Peas, potato
4. Pumpkin
5. Sweet potato
6. Yam
7. Cherry
8. Date
9. Tofu
10. Black sesame seeds
11. Oyster
12. Tuna
13. Beef
14. Chicken
15. Lamb
16. Etc.

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Menstrual Stages - Perimenopause and Post Menopause in Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

In Traditional Chinese medicine, herbal formula and herbs used to treat Perimenopause, menopause and post menopause are similar to certain extend, depending to the unique diagnosis and differentiate of a woman.
Please refer to Menstrual Conditions- Menopause in Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective for more information