Scanty periods are technically known as 'amenorrhoea'. The menstrual flow may either be very light, or it will be irregular, sometimes missing months all together.

There are several reasons why this may occur. Within Chinese medicine, Liver blood fills the uterus each month and it is the movement of this blood that causes the menstrual flow. If the Liver blood is 'deficient' then the period will be light or non-existent. This blood deficiency may be a result of poor diet over many months, excessive physical exercise, emotional upset, or long-term illness. There may be other associated symptoms such as tiredness, pale complexion, dizziness or visual disturbances.

Scanty periods can also be caused by stagnation of Liver blood. In other words, something is preventing the smooth monthly flow of the menstrual cycle. If the Liver blood is obstructed then the menstrual blood is dark red and contains blood clots. There may be accompanying abdominal pain that gets better as the period progresses, i.e. when the blood is flowing. The longer the pain continues for (once the period starts), the more severe the stagnation.

What causes this stagnation?

In Chinese medicine energy moves our blood. If our energy becomes stuck for a long period of time then the blood can no longer move freely, and pain is often the result. Stress, anger, resentment, frustration, and bitterness will upset the movement of energy, particularly Liver energy. In fact, any long-term emotional strain can affect the Liver and lead to scanty periods with accompanying abdominal pain.

Cold can invade the uterus and obstruct the movement of Liver Blood. You may be interested in looking at the section on moxibustion for some more information about this condition. Cold has a contracting nature and it inhibits the movement of qi.

Please click on painful periods for more information.

Treatment of scanty periods depends on the underlying cause. If there is a deficiency of Liver blood then acupuncture points are selected which help to tonify the blood, and appropriate dietary and lifestyle advice will be given. If the cause is more to do with stagnation then acupuncture points are selected which move stagnation of qi and blood in the uterus.

As a general rule, all menstrual imbalances need to be weekly for at least three months. It takes three menstrual cycles to start to see a change in the pattern, although you may (and quite frequently do), see a change after the first menstrual cycle.