30 Sep 2025
By: Yi TCM Admin
Despite the occasional discomfort they cause, menstrual periods play a vital role in your reproductive health. An irregular period can be worrisome, as it may leave you feeling uncertain about your overall well-being.
An irregular period is a menstrual cycle that is either too long or too short. On average, a regular menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days, with a general range of 21 to 35 days, while menstrual bleeding typically lasts anywhere from two to seven days. It will be considered an irregular period if it meets any of these criteria:
Some women may experience slight variations, including shorter or longer menstrual cycles or occasional heavy menstrual flow. Seeing a doctor to check your reproductive health may help identify the signs of an irregular period early.
An irregular period may arise due to various causal factors. Stress is known to be one of the more prevalent causes, as it can influence the functions of the hypothalamus, a brain structure that controls the reproductive hormones regulating the menstrual cycle. The hypothalamus sends signals to the pituitary glands to release the reproductive hormones needed to prepare the body for ovulation, including the formation of the uterine lining (the endometrium).
When stressed, it can lead to the release of other hormones that may interfere with your reproductive functions. For example, it releases cortisol, which is produced from progesterone and reduces progesterone levels. Progesterone is a core component of your reproductive health, so this disruption can lead to irregular periods.
Other causes include:
TCM believes that a harmonious inner balance within the body ensures optimal health, and disruptions to this interconnected system cause various health complications. Irregular periods may arise due to poor blood production and circulation, resulting from a deficiency in vital essence, blood, and Qi. It may also result from stagnation of blood and Qi flow, impairing the functions of the spleen and liver.
Blood and Qi are essential components, as healthy blood and Qi circulation help promote physical well-being. Our congenital kidney essence, inherited from our parents during conception, is another vital component, nourished by our kidney essence, as well as food and drink.
The spleen and liver are also vital organs, as the spleen absorbs the nutrients from food to convert them into blood and Qi, while the liver regulates blood and Qi in the meridians. The liver also ensures that blood and Qi reach the Chong and Ren meridians, both essential to your reproductive functions.
Whenever an internal imbalance occurs, TCM treatment techniques can help maintain the natural balance and ensure uninterrupted blood and Qi circulation. At the same time, they provide the gradual restoration of organ functions to support your recovery.
Acupuncture involves the use of small, sterile needles carefully placed at specific acupoints on the body to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. It primarily treats blood and Qi stagnation, clearing blockages that hinder their circulation through the blood vessels and meridians. It can also help strengthen physical health and the immune system, as well as remove harmful pathogens, such as dampness, from the body.
To address irregular periods, acupuncture will target specific meridians, including the conception and governing vessels. The conception vessel goes from the front of the body, from the pubic area to the mouth, and is targeted to treat menstrual abnormalities. Meanwhile, the governing vessel starts from the tailbone and follows the midline of the back until it reaches the vertebrae near the head; targeting this area can help restore the body’s Yin and Yang balance.
Traditional TCM herbal formulas utilise the nutritional properties of various herbs to treat irregular menstrual periods. The herbal recipes are designed to soothe and nourish your body, easing the complications that arise from irregular periods. However, only a certified TCM practitioner can prescribe the herbs needed for your irregular period treatment; taking the wrong herbs without proper advice can cause unpleasant side effects that can be detrimental to your well-being.
Some simple lifestyle modifications can also help you recover from an irregular period.
At Yi TCM, we offer a range of TCM treatments to support your reproductive health and address gynaecological conditions, including painful menses. Contact us today for a personalised consultation and start your TCM journey with us.
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Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Irregular Periods. Retrieved 19th May 2025 from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14633-abnormal-menstruation-periods
Penn, Y. Y. (2018). Acupuncture treatment for dysfunctional uterine bleeding in an adolescent. BMJ Case Reports. Retrieved 19th May 2025 from https://casereports.bmj.com/content/2018/bcr-2018-224725.citation-tools
Zhang, Y., Guo, X., Ma, S., Ma, H., Li, H., Wang, Y., Qin, Z., Wu, X., Han, Y., & Han, Y. (2021). The Treatment with Complementary and Alternative Traditional Chinese Medicine for Menstrual Disorders with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: eCAM, 2021, 6678398. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6678398
