My period is late after taking the medicine; is this okay?
In short, temporary changes can occur depending on your body's condition. Rather than a simple side effect, this is often a process of the body adapting to changes in weight and metabolic rate. I understand how unsettling this can be, as I've had similar experiences during periods of extreme fasting. When you visit the clinic, I will finely adjust your herbal formula to suit your current state.
When starting a diet, the body often perceives it as an 'emergency state.' Sudden changes in diet or the acceleration of metabolism can impact hormonal balance. From the perspective of Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), this can be viewed through three lenses:
1. Deficiency of Qi and Blood (氣血不足): When energy is depleted rapidly and blood and Qi become insufficient, the body may temporarily deprioritize reproductive functions (menstruation) to ensure survival. I've experienced this myself in the past when I overexerted myself, and it was my body's way of signaling a need for rest.
2. Blood Stasis (瘀血) and Phlegm-Fluid Retention (痰飮): If there is an accumulation of 'stagnant blood' (Blood Stasis) or metabolic waste (Phlegm-Fluid), blood circulation is hindered, which can delay the menstrual cycle. In such cases, we must combine metabolic support with prescriptions that promote circulation.
3. Spleen Deficiency (脾虛): If your digestive function is weak (Spleen Deficiency), forcing a high metabolic rate can exhaust the body quickly, making the hormonal system sensitive and altering your cycle.
This is not a dangerous situation, but rather a signal that your body is feeling 'a bit overwhelmed.' There is no need to push through the discomfort. Please let me know during your next visit, and I will adjust the intensity of the herbs or add blood-tonifying (補血) ingredients to ensure a comfortable and healthy recovery.
