Traditional Chinese Medicine for Hormonal Imbalance in Women

Women are prone to endocrine disorders as a result of a number of factors, including stress, unhealthy diet, hectic work schedule, and inadequate rest. These may also result from conditions like menopause, polycystic ovarian syndrome, or pregnancy.

When your body produces an excess of or too little hormones, you have a hormonal imbalance. This hormonal imbalance can lead to the development of serious medical conditions that affect the reproductive system, such as infertility, cause obesity, adrenal hyperplasia, thyroid problems, and pituitary gland tumors.

In this article, we shall explore the ways by which Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) aids in correcting hormonal imbalance.

Understanding the Relationship Between TCM and the Endocrine System

According to TCM, the systems that govern hormone production are the Liver system and the Kidney system.

The Kidney system, in particular, controls the testes, ovaries, and endocrine organs like the pituitary gland, adrenal glands, thyroid, and the hypothalamus. These organs produce hormones called Jing Qi, which provides the basic energy for the body’s life functions.

Late-night sleeping patterns lead to endocrine disorders, which in turn, lead to irregular menstruation. It also causes qi deficiency, which may manifest as dizziness and fatigue. 

There will also be decreased energy to transport blood to the entire body and the endometrium. Because of the lack of blood in the endometrium, there will be a delay in the next period. 

According to TCM principles, there are various patterns of hormonal imbalances that can be treated through syndrome pattern differentiation. For instance, in the case of Liver-Kidney Yin deficiency, the treatment involves tonifying the qi and blood while providing support to the Kidneys and Liver. 

Another potential syndrome causing heavy period flow is blood-heat. This is typically due to eating too much spicy and hot foods, living in hot weather, or staying up late.

According to TCM physician Ho Li Ying, other symptoms could include “always feeling thirsty, dry mouth, avoiding heat, fidgety, insomnia, with period blood that appears red in colour.” Its treatment involves nourishing the Yin.

It should be mentioned that herbal medicines alone are insufficient in treating hormonal imbalance in women. The emotions of the woman, known as Qing Zhi, must be taken into account since they also impact the endocrine system, directly affecting the secretion of hormones, such as oestrogen and progesterone. Other factors that need to be explored include lifestyle modification and exercise.

TCM Herbal Medicines for Hormonal Imbalance

Let us now take a look at the common herbs that are being used for the treatment of hormonal imbalance in women.

1. White Peony Root / Semen Ziziphi Spinosae (Bai Shao)

Bai Shao can tonify blood to address syndromes of blood deficiency. It also aids in the regulation of menstruation and the relief of dysmenorrhoea or menstrual pain. It can also relieve symptoms related to menopause, such as chest tightness, night sweats, and hot flashes. It can also alleviate irregular menstruation. Bai Shao also has a protective effect on the liver. It should be mentioned though that Bai Shao should not be used in patients with gallstones.

2. Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza Radix)

Dan Shen is commonly used in combination with Chuan Xiong (Szechwan Lovage Rhizome) and Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis Radicis) for the promotion of blood circulation and qi, dispels blood stasis, menstruation regulation, removal of dark blood clots, and relief from menstrual pain or dysmenorrhoea. It can also dispel blood stasis and create new blood. All these benefits make Dan Shen effective in regulating a woman’s endocrine system.

3. Suan Zao Ren (Semen Ziziphi Spinosae)

Suan Zao Ren is a known sedative used in treating insomnia and restlessness. It particularly flows through the channels of the liver, heart and gallbladder to soothe symptoms, including insomnia, palpitations, and night sweats. It can also address the Yang in the liver and dispel liver fire. Suan Zao Ren is commonly combined with Bai Shao and Mai Dong (Radix Ophiopogonis).

As effective as these herbal medicines are, it should be emphasized that hormonal imbalance is often caused by a myriad of factors. For this reason, it is important to also take a look at the woman’s emotional and psychological state and make adjustments in her lifestyle.