Irregular menstruation refers to any abnormal change in menstrual cycle, in quantity and color of flow, and other accompanying symptoms. Commonly seen cases are antedated and postdated menstruation, irregular menstrual cycle. Menstruation earlier than due time by seven to eight days, or even twice a month, is regarded as antedated menstruation, while menses later than due time by eight to nine days or even once every forty to fifty days is considered as postdated menstruation.
Menopathy is caused by many factors, such as the exogenous pathogenic cold, heat and damp, emotional disturbances-worries, depressed rage, indulgence in sexual life, grand multiparity, etc., leading to the disharmony between qi and blood and the injury of the Chong and Ren Meridians.
Antedated Menstruation
1. Heat in the blood: It is due to abundance of the internal heat, yin deficiency and yang excess, or overtake of pungent food.
2. Qi deficiency: This is caused by overexertion, improper diet leading to weakness of the spleen qi and insufficient qi in the middle jiao.
Postdated Menstruation
1. Blood deficiency: The blood may be marred due to chronic hemorrhage, debility resulting from chronic diseases, irregular diet and overexertion may injure the spleen and stomach.
2. Cold in the blood: It is due mostly to constant yang deficiency and internal growth of cold, or due to overtake of raw and cold food, exposure to rain and cold during the menstrual period.
3. Qi stagnation: It is due to emotional depression, disturbing the qi activity and resulting in qi stagnation.
Irregular Menstrual Cycles
1. Qi stagnation in the liver: It is due usually to depressed rage that hurts the liver and disturbs the storage of blood, which leads to dysfunction of the uterus, hence irregular menstrual cycles.
2. Kidney deficiency: It is due to marriage at an immature age, indulgence of sexual life, grand multiparity, etc., which consume the essence and blood. The kidney qi fails to conduct its function in storing essence and adjusting the Chong and Ren Meridians, resulting in irregular menstrual cycles.
Irregular Menstruation or Dysmenorrhea can cause anything from discomfort to a very painful and debilitating disorder. The good news is that it can be treated with acupuncture and herbs.
For more detailed questions, please contact Dr. Jeon of Jun’s Acupuncture clinic at 661-799-7369.