Common Symptoms
Women may experience irregular or painful periods, heavy or scanty flow (hypomenorrhea), PMS symptoms (bloating, breast tenderness, mood swings), fatigue, poor sleep, or headaches. Some may also have difficulty conceiving, low libido, or emotional fluctuations. During menopause, symptoms can include hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, vaginal dryness, and reduced energy levels.
Possible Causes
TCM View
In TCM, women’s health is closely linked to the balance of Qi, blood, and the organ systems — particularly the Liver, Spleen, and Kidney, which regulate menstruation, hormones, and reproductive function.
Common patterns include:
- Liver Qi stagnation (肝气郁结) – Often related to stress and emotional factors. Can lead to irregular (Menstrual) cycles, PMS, breast tenderness, and mood swings
- Blood deficiency (血虚) – Insufficient nourishment affecting menstruation and overall vitality. May present as scanty periods, dizziness, fatigue, and dry skin
- Spleen deficiency (脾虚) – Weak digestion and poor transformation of nutrients, contributing to fatigue, bloating, and sometimes heavy or prolonged menstruation
- Kidney deficiency (肾虚) – A key factor in fertility and aging. Associated with delayed cycles, infertility, low libido, or menopausal symptoms
- Blood stasis (血瘀) – Obstruction in circulation leading to painful periods, clots, or chronic pelvic discomfort
- Dampness or damp-heat (湿 / 湿热) – May result in abnormal discharge, a feeling of heaviness, or infections
Modern View
From a Western medical perspective, women’s health concerns are typically understood as the result of one or more underlying factors:
- Hormonal imbalances – Affecting menstrual regularity, energy levels and mood.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Uterine conditions – Issues such as fibroids or endometriosis, affecting fertility
- Perimenopause and menopause-related changes – Hot flushes, mood changes, and sleep disturbances.
How we treat
TCM
Regulating cycles & relieving symptoms
Acupuncture and herbal therapy to harmonise Qi and blood, ease pain, and stabilise menstrual patterns
Hormonal and reproductive support
Personalised treatment plans to improve ovulation, support fertility, and ease menopausal transitions
Western medicine
Hormonal evaluation
Blood tests to assess hormone levels
Medication and hormonal therapy
Birth control or hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Ultrasound and imaging
Used to monitor conditions such as fibroids, cysts, or endometriosis
Fertlity support
Specialized treatment to assist ovulatory and fertility issues
Surgical intervention
For significant fibroids or advanced endometriosis
Wellness
Strengthening overall health
Focus on digestion, energy levels, and emotional balance through diet, herbs, and lifestyle adjustments