Menses

Inquiring in this aspect covers menstrual cycle and period, amount, colour and quality of flow and the accompanying symptoms and signs. If it is necessary, questions concerning the date of the last menstrual period and age of menopause should be asked.

Menses of a shortened cycle, excessive in amount, deep red in color and thick in quality relates mainly to excessive heat in the blood ; light colored menstrual flow profuse in amount and thin in quality indicates failure of qi to command blood. A prolonged cycle with scanty purplish dark discharge or blood clots suggests stagnation of blood due to cold ; thin scanty and light - colored flow implies deficiency of blood. Irregular menstrual cycle is a sign of disharmony of the Chong and Ren ( Conception Vessel ) Meridians due to obstruction of the liver qi.

Pre - menstrual or menstrual distending pain in the breasts and lower abdomen which intensifies on pressure means stagnation of qi and blood ; cold pain in the lower abdomen during the period points to stagnation of blood due to cold ; dull pain in the lower abdomen during or after the period which is alleviated by pressure is due to deficiency of qi and blood.