Premenstrual patterns
Premenstrual symptoms
Make space for how you feel before your period. Track mood, sleep, breast tenderness and bloating to understand your pattern.
When people come in
- Irritability or low mood before periods
- Bloating, breast tenderness or sleep changes
- Symptoms returning at a similar point each month
The Chinese medicine view
Before a period, Qi and Blood gather in the lower body. If Liver Qi is constrained or digestion is weak, mood, breast, gut and sleep changes tend to surface in these days.
Common patterns
Liver Qi stagnation
Irritability, breast distension, frequent sighing
Spleen deficiency with damp
Bloating, puffiness, loose stools
Heart and Spleen deficiency
Poor sleep, palpitations, low mood
Patterns are identified by a practitioner through all four examinations. They are here to explain the thinking, not for self-diagnosis.
The medical view
Track whether symptoms appear before your period, improve afterwards and affect daily life. Significant mood symptoms deserve proper assessment, rather than being dismissed as just hormones.
What the consultation covers
Review sleep, meals, movement and stress alongside an individual TCM assessment. A symptom diary helps guide follow-up, with medical or mental-health support when appropriate.
Therapies that may be discussed: Acupuncture, Cupping, Gua sha
What to bring
- Symptoms across at least two cycles
- Medication, supplements and contraception
- Your main mood or sleep concerns
Questions
Are PMS and PMDD the same?
No. PMDD involves more severe premenstrual mood symptoms and requires professional assessment.
Do I have to take herbs?
No. Your preferences and needs guide the options discussed.
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