Womens health (gynecology) in traditional Chinese medicine has had it’s own specific texts written about it since 1500-1000 BC ! 

Chinese medicine treats womens health disorders with the use of herbal formulas, acupuncture and nutritional advice.  Although other techniques are commonly practiced these are the 3 most commonly used treatments. 

In traditional Chinese medicine natural and normal health changes occur at regular 7 year intervals (8 year intervals in men).  At the age of 14 (7x2) Chinese medicine texts say that a girls menstruation starts, at 21 years of age she is best suited to have a child.  At the age of 49 (7x7) menopause is due. 

Western research has found that the average age for a girls menarch (1^st period) begins at the age of 13 while menopause usually is 50.  This corresponds very closely with the ancient Chinese theory of women changing at 7 year intervals.  

In traditional Chinese medicine a regular cycle should have 4 regular phases lasting 26-32 days.  The menstrual phase (period) is considered normal if it lasts between 4-6 days.  Healthy menstrual blood does not contain clots, starts off lighter at the beginning, slightly darker in the middle and pinkish at the end of the period.  The four phases of cycle are listed below:

Chinese Medicine – this is the time where the movement of blood greatly depends on the proper circulation of Qi.

Western Medicine – during this time the levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone dramatically drop with the shedding (necrosis) of the compact and spongy layers of the endometrium.

Chinese Medicine – Blood and Yin are scarce or “empty” due to the bleeding of the phase prior. 

Western Medicine – this is the follicular phase where the follicle grows and estrogen levels increase due to FSH (follicle stimulating hormone)

Chinese Medicine – Blood and Yin fluids are being nourished and replenished in preparation for a possible pregnancy. 

Western Medicine – this is the time of ovulation (ovum is released from the follicle) and the development of the corpus luteum due to LH (luteinizing Hormone).

Chinese Medicine – during this phase Yang energy rises while liver Qi begins to move.  The Qi and yang must circulate properly in order for the menstrual phase to be healthy. 

Western Medicine – Luteal Phase where the corpus Luteum grows and secretes progesterone.