What is Hypomenorrhoea and what are the causes? How we treat hypomenorrhoea with Chinese Medicine.

Hypomenorrhoea is simply a light period or scanty menstruation.

Possible causes of hypomenorrhoea include:

• hormonal imbalance
• perimenopause
• uterine issues
• psychological stress/emotional stress
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• thyroid problems

In my clinical experience, to treat hypomenorrhoea with Chinese medicine, acupuncture and herbal medicine are most effective. Any woman suffering the causes above will benefit.

Regulating the endocrine system and improving hormonal balance is the main focus…  as well as investigating any underlying causes that may contribute to the problem.

Hypomenorrhoea: A Chinese Medicine Perspective

From a Chinese Medicine perspective, the cause may be due to;
Yin deficiency where the person may also be experiencing:

• hot flushes
• increased sweating
• dry mouth/throat
• vaginal dryness
• low back/knee/foot pains
• insomnia
• disturbed sleep
• irritability
• constipation

Spleen qi deficiency accompanied with symptoms of:

• digestive upsets
• feeling low/depressed
• fatigue
• susceptible to colds/flu
• allergies
• pale complexion
• shortness of breath
• muscle weakness

Kidney deficiency where the following symptoms may also be present:

• delayed menstrual cycle
• vertigo
• tinnitus
• joint pains
• infertility
• hair loss
• low libido
• water retention/oedema of the legs or ankles
• frequent urination

Qi and blood stagnation where the person may be suffering from short temper/anger… or premenstrual symptoms such as:

• breast tenderness
• cramps
• irritability
• mood swings
• cravings for foods etc
• sleeplessness
• muscle tension
• bloating
• headache
• dark or clotty periods

Blood deficiency such as:

• low iron/anemia
• light thin period blood
• dizziness
• fatigue
• lack of focus
• feeling cold
• dry skin
• pale complexion
• heart palpitations

Consultation and treating hypomenorrhoea with Chinese medicine is tailored to the individual… everyone’s health and situation is different. It is common to see someone who is suffering from multiple syndromes.

The acupuncture point Sp 6 can be useful to treat this condition. Using herbs such as Dang Gui – Radix Angelicae Sinensis and Da Zao – Fructus Zizyphi Jujubae.

Diet & Lifestyle Advice for Hypomenorrhoea

Dietary and lifestyle advice are also unique. Blood deficiency Woman suffering from blood deficiency should complete light exercises rather than intensive workouts. They should make more time for sleep. We recommend:

• red meat
• green leafy vegetables
• dates
• kidney beans
• seafood

Qi and blood stagnation For Qi and blood stagnation we recommend light walking. Also exercise that can lightly raise the heart rate. It is also recommended to consume more omega rich foods such as:

• fish
• fish oil
• flaxseed oil
• chia seeds
• seafood
• soy beans

Kidney deficiency Kidney deficiency patients could do well with sleeping earlier.  We recommend doing low impact exercises. We recommend:

• eating nuts, especially walnuts
• sesame seeds
• beans
• berries

A treatment plan can be put into place during your initial consultation.  Our practitioners will outline diet, exercise and treatment style for your situation. Treating hypomenorrhoea with Chinese medicine is a safe and balanced way to approach your recovery.

References

Hypomenorrhea, Scanty Menstruation, Oligomenorrhea – Chinese herbs, Chinese medicine, Acupuncture, American Dragon, Dr Joel Penner OMD, LAc. (n.d.). Retrieved July 20, 2017, from http://www.americandragon.com/conditions/ScantyMenstruation.html

Kaywin, E. (n.d.). Why Is My Period Lighter Than Normal? 10 Causes Of Hypomenorrhea. Retrieved from https://www.bustle.com/articles/189737-why-is-my-period-lighter-than-normal-10-causes-of-hypomenorrhea