Many changes can occur in a woman's menstrual cycle, from irregularity within the cycle, no bleeding occurring, pain, premenstrual symptoms, and changes to discharge throughout the month.  

In traditional Chinese medicine, menarche begins around fourteen; however, this can range from as early as ten to eighteen years.  We take in the constitution and the lifestyle of the person when assessing the reasons for the changes in the cycle.  For some, normal menstruation is seen as twenty-eight days; however, this also varies; some are shorter, and others have longer cycles.  The number of days, colour, and the amount a woman bleeds also varies depending on many factors.  

Below we go over some of the reasons why these symptoms may be happening and how they can be addressed, and we give you some practical solutions to aid with the changes.   

Irregular menses - This abnormal change to the menstrual cycle or the bleed's amount, colour, or quality.  We consider early menstruation to start greater than seven days early and delayed menses greater than seven days from the expected date. There is also early - late erratic menstruation where the cycle is late or early with no regular pattern.  In Western medicine, Irregular menses is defined as abnormal uterine bleeding, possibly due to functional disturbances of the anterior pituitary or ovaries.  We see it as adjusting the menstrual cycle by changing qi and blood with treatment before the cycle, working with the emotions within the body, diet and exercise.  We place press tacs on the ears to aid with regulating the cycle that stays on until your subsequent acupuncture treatment, this aids with continuing the treatment. We may use moxibustion depending on the client and a combination with acupuncture. 

Dysmenorrhea or painful periods - this is characterised by having pain before, with, or after the period. The pain can be felt in the lower abdomen and lower back.  Pain can occur on day one or two, with strong sensations that soften as the days progress into the cycle.  Western medicine classes this as primary or secondary dysmenorrhea. Primary is seen as malposition of the uterus, lack of exercise, or anxiety with the cycle.  The secondary class as endometriosis, adenomyosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease.   In diagnosis, we look at the type, location, and degree of pain, combining that with the colour and quality of the menstrual blood, tongue, and pulse.  We see pain before or during that does not change with pressure as excess and discomfort after the menses that is alleviated with heat as a deficiency.  For excess, we use acupuncture that calms, and for deficiency, we use tonification techniques. We commonly use acupuncture combined with herbs for the best results.   

Amenorrhea / no period - When menstruation has not begun by the age of eighteen, or it has and then stopped for over three months.  There can be many reasons why this can happen, multiple miscarriages or births, long-term disease, being over or underweight, emotional disturbances, chronic iron issues, abnormal eating habits, hormonal changes, or excessive physical exercise.  Western medicine has two categories, Primary Amenorrhea or Secondary Amenorrhea; these vary and can be attributed to delayed development or hormonal imbalances.   As a treatment, we look at any hormonal imbalances or reasons that may have affected the cycle.  We combine acupuncture with food therapy, herbal medicine and moxibustion.  

Premenstrual Syndrome / PMS - We look for symptoms that occur before, during, and after menses.  Many symptoms related to differential diagnoses in Chinese medicine from breast soreness, cravings, dizziness, sensations of heat, headaches, body aches, diarrhea or vomiting, emotional changes, insomnia, and restlessness.  Western medicine refers to the condition as imbalances with hormones, nutrition and B- vitamin deficiency that changes how the body deals with stress. To treat PMS, we combine acupuncture with herbal therapy.  Multivitamins like B6 and C, zinc, chromium and calcium are also used. Dietary changes are advised by eating less salt and fatty food and stopping alcohol, coffee, and strong tea. 

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding-  bleeding can happen at any time; it can be profuse or scanty, there can be alternating symptoms, and can be from excessive work, emotional issues, long-term illness, or surgery.  Western medicine sees this as dysfunctional bleeding caused by anovulation or irregular ovulation; this can happen after menses begin or before menopause.  It can be due to uterine fibroids or dysfunction of the ovaries.  We treat with a combination of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy to stop the bleeding.  We also focus on nutrition by eating more protein and vitamin and mineral-rich food.  We ask that they avoid alcohol, foods that are spicy or acidic, and excessive physical activity.  Raspberry leaf tea is a great aid for heavy periods by reducing bleeding; this comes in pill or tea form and is available online or in the clinic. 

There are many changes to bodily rhythms from puberty and fertility to menopause.  And with these changes, some challenges can affect your monthly cycle; however, these can be rectified with time and care.  It is best to seek advice from a care provider who works in women’s health; we advise you to book an appointment to discuss your cycle and needs so that changes can begin. 

Beattie Street Health Studio

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