Heavy Menstrual Bleeding & Metrorrhagia: What's Wrong? Singapore TCM Expert Qiu Baorun Shares Effective Solutions!
What Causes Heavy Menstrual Bleeding & Metrorrhagia?
Dr.Que Poh Yuen Albert TCM gynecology expert at Singapore’s Gong Fang Tang TCM, explains that excessive menstrual bleeding (termed “reckless blood flow” or metrorrhagia in TCM) is commonly caused by:
Spleen Deficiency Failing to Control Blood: Overexertion or poor diet weakens spleen qi, impairing its ability to contain blood within vessels.
Blood Heat Forcing Reckless Flow: Yin deficiency with heat due to late nights or spicy diets scorches meridians, triggering abnormal bleeding.
Blood Stasis Blocking the Uterus: Sedentary habits or qi-blood stagnation prevent new blood from circulating properly.
Kidney Qi Instability: Congenital weakness or excessive sexual activity disrupts Chong and Ren vessels, leading to uncontrolled bleeding.
Dangers of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding & Metrorrhagia
Qi-Blood Deficiency & Systemic Weakness
Anemia risks: Chronic blood loss lowers hemoglobin, causing dizziness, fatigue, pallor, palpitations, or fainting.
Immunity decline: Weak resistance increases susceptibility to infections and chronic fatigue.
Organ Dysfunction & Long-Term Damage
Spleen-kidney damage: Prolonged bleeding depletes spleen-kidney yang, causing weakness, cold intolerance, or edema.
Uterine-ovarian issues: Disrupted menstrual cycles, premature ovarian failure, or infertility.
Increased Infection Risks
Reproductive inflammation: Prolonged bleeding disrupts vaginal pH, raising risks of vaginitis, cervicitis, or pelvic infections.
Endometrial disorders: Abnormal bleeding may mask polyps or fibroids, delaying diagnosis.
Psychological & Social Impact
Anxiety/depression: Frequent bleeding and discomfort affect mood, work, and relationships.
Reduced quality of life: Hygiene challenges and activity restrictions cause physical/mental strain.
TCM Solutions for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding & Metrorrhagia
Dr. Qiu recommends the ancient formula Xiong Gui Jiao Ai Decoction to stop bleeding while nourishing qi-blood and regulating organs:
Ingredients:
Chuanxiong (Ligusticum), Danggui (Angelica), Baishao (Peony), Shudihuang (Rehmannia) – Four-Substance Decoction base to nourish blood and regulate menstruation.
Ejiao (Donkey-hide gelatin) – Nourishes yin, stops bleeding, and moistens dryness.
Aiye (Mugwort) – Warms meridians, stops bleeding, and dispels cold.
Gancao (Licorice) – Harmonizes herbs, boosts qi, and relieves pain.
Case Study
Patient: Ms. Zhou, 32, heavy menstrual flow with clots for 2 years (lasting >10 days per cycle).
Initial exam: Pale complexion, fatigue, palpitations. Pale swollen tongue with teeth marks; thready weak pulse.
Diagnosis: Spleen-kidney deficiency with blood stasis.
Prescription: Modified Xiong Gui Jiao Ai Decoction.
Formula:
Chuanxiong 9g, Danggui 12g, Ejiao 10g (melted), Carbonized Aiye 6g, Baishao 15g, Shudihuang 18g, Dangshen 20g, Sanqi powder 3g (infused).
Outcome:
7 days: Reduced flow, clots eliminated.
2 menstrual cycles: Cycle shortened to 6 days; hemoglobin normalized.
