By Dr. Mark Wiley

Amenorrhea is one of the common health concerns for young ladies and women, of which there are two types. Primary amenorrhea is the lack of menstruation over the age of 18. Secondary amenorrhea refers to a break in the menstrual cycle for at least 3 months at a time.

According to the holistic theories of traditional Chinese medicine, amenorrhea has three general causes. It is most predominantly the result of insufficient transformation of blood from the spleen and stomach. The spleen and stomach are paired yin / yang organs, are responsible for the transformation and transportation of blood and nutrients in the body.

Another cause is severe consumption of yin blood and exhaustion of blood source. This refers to the depletion of the yin aspect of energy and the energetic source of blood, wherein enough blood or strength of hemoglobin is deficient.

The third cause of amenorrhea is blood stasis in the meridians and vessels due to exterior cold (weather, air conditioner) or from excessive consumption of cold food and beverages.

While there are three primary causes of amenorrhea, the primary and secondary classifications present with several syndromes.

Primary Amenorrhea Syndromes

The main symptoms of Primary Amenorrhea are the gradual reduction of menstrual flow to eventual stoppage for a period of time. There are two manifestations of this: 1) weakness of Qi and Blood), and 2) Liver and Kidney Deficiency.

Weakness of Qi (energy) and Blood (essential yin nutrient) presents with sallow complexion, emaciation, vertigo, heart palpitations, a tongue that is light in color and a thin pulse.

Deficiency of Liver and Kidney presents with vertigo, tinnitus, aching weakness of the loins and knees, feverish sensation in the five centers (palms, soles of the feet, and chest), tidal fever, night sweating, a tongue that is darkish-colored and taut, thin pulse.

Secondary Amenorrhea Syndromes

The main symptom of Secondary Amenorrhea is the stoppage of menstruation for several months or more. There are three manifestations of this:

1) Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis

2) Cold Coagulation and Blood Stagnation

3) Phlegm Damp Obstruction.

Amenorrhea due to Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis presents with pain in lower abdomen that is worse with pressure, restlessness, easily angered, distending fullness in the chest and hypochondria, tongue that is blackish in color, and a deep-taut pulse.

Amenorrhea caused by Cold Coagulation and Blood Stagnation presents with a cold body and limbs, cold pain in the lower abdomen, a tongue that is blackish in color and a deep-tense pulse.

Amenorrhea due to Phlegm Damp Obstruction usually presents with obesity, fullness and oppression in the chest and hypochondria, lassitude, lack of spirit, anorexia, profuse sputum, leukorrhagia, a tongue with a greasy fur and a slippery pulse.

Chinese Herbal Patent Medicines

Although the causes and syndromes of amenorrhea are varied and specifically outlined, a single syndrome is rare. The following herbal formulas work well when combined as needed, and are for the following presentations.

Nu Ke Ba Zhen Wan (Women’s Precious Teapills) for amenorrhea presenting with Qi and Blood Deficiency.

Si Wu Tang (Four Substances for Women) for amenorrhea presenting with Blood Deficiency.

Shi Chuan Da Bu Wan (Ten Flavor Teapills) for amenorrhea presenting with Qi and Blood Deficiency and Cold Accumulation.

Tong Jing Wan (Calm in the Sea of Life) for amenorrhea presenting with severe Blood Stagnation.

Shao Fu Zhu Yu Wan (Stasis in the Palace of Blood) for amenorrhea presenting with Blood Stagnation with Cold Accumulation.

Tao Hong Si Wu Tang for amenorrhea presenting with Blood Stasis and Blood Deficiency.

There is a natural cure for amenorrhea with these herbal formulas and perhaps a change in diet and lifestyle. Remember, there are only three things that engender lifeforce after birth, and they are oxygen, water and food. Without these we will die. And each of these affects the blood. So dehydration, malnutrition and low oxygen levels in the blood may also be a cause of your amenorrhea. Perhaps a combination of herbs and lifestyle changes will provide the fastest relief for you!