Dysmenorrhea

痛經 / 痛经

Painful menstruation, often with cramping.

Quick Facts

Health Topic	Women's Wellness
Also Known As	Painful periods, Menstrual cramps, Period pain, Painful menstruation, Cramps during menses
Common Symptoms	Pain in the lower abdomen that appears before, during or after menstruation. It may be dull, cramping or sharp, and can radiate to the lower back or thighs. Flow characteristics, the presence of clots, and whether warmth or pressure eases the pain vary from person to person.
Related TCM Patterns	Blood Stasis · Blood Deficiency
Related Classical Formulas	Wen Jing Tang · Tao He Cheng Qi Tang · Tao Hong Si Wu Tang · Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang · Tiao Jing Wan · Gui Zhi Fu Ling Tang · Shi Xiao San

Dysmenorrhea in Traditional Chinese Medicine

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, dysmenorrhea is differentiated by pattern rather than treated as one uniform menstrual pain. Blood stasis and Blood deficiency are among the main patterns associated with painful periods. Differentiation considers whether the pain is fixed and sharp with dark clots, or dull and better with pressure, whether the flow is scanty or heavy, and the overall complexion and energy. Classical formulas are matched to these pattern distinctions.

TCM Patterns Associated With Dysmenorrhea

The same presentation may be understood through more than one pattern. Pattern differentiation weighs the accompanying signs, not the symptom on its own.

Pattern	Common Features	Related Formulas
Blood Stasis血瘀證Stagnation Patterns	Fixed, stabbing or piercing pain that does not move freely, often worse at night or with pressure. The complexion may look darker or purplish, and in women the menstrual flow can be dark with clots. Lips or nails may appear dusky. Tongue dark or with purple spots or congested veins under the tongue; pulse choppy or wiry and hesitant.	Tao He Cheng Qi Tang Tao Hong Si Wu Tang Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang Tiao Jing Wan Gui Zhi Fu Ling Tang Shi Xiao San
Blood Deficiency血虛證Deficiency Patterns	A pale or sallow complexion, dry hair or skin, light-headedness on standing, blurred vision, and easy fatigue. In women the menstrual flow is often scanty and pale. Sleep may be light, and the hands and feet can feel numb when tired. Tongue pale and thin; pulse thin and weak.	Wen Jing Tang