Question 1

My menstrual pain is so severe that I'm constantly taking painkillers. Can traditional Korean medicine treat it?

Accepted Answer

Yes, primary dysmenorrhea occurs when the uterus is cold and there is excessive blood stasis. Fundamental treatment is possible with Korean herbal medicine that warms the uterus and promotes circulation.

Question 2

I lose emotional control and binge eat right before my period (PMS)

Accepted Answer

It's Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS), a condition where your body overreacts to hormonal changes. Relieving liver qi stagnation (Gangiulgyeol) will help your body and mind feel at ease.

Question 3

My period skips for months at a time when I'm stressed.

Accepted Answer

Stress hormones disrupt the hypothalamus in the brain, thereby suppressing ovulation. If amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) persists for more than 3 months, you should seek treatment due to the risk of premature menopause.

Question 4

My menstrual blood has many clots and is dark red.

Accepted Answer

This is "eohyeol" (blood stasis, or clotted blood) that develops due to impaired uterine blood circulation. It is a primary cause of menstrual pain and indicates a 'cold uterus'.

Question 5

Sharp abdominal pain even when it's not my period (Ovulation pain)

Accepted Answer

This is "ovulation pain," which typically occurs about two weeks before your expected period. It's caused by the irritation of the peritoneum when the follicle ruptures, or by a small amount of bleeding (ovulation spotting). It is mostly experienced by more sensitive individuals.

Question 6

Every time I get my period, I get a splitting headache (menstrual headache).

Accepted Answer

The sharp drop in estrogen levels just before menstruation affects the cerebral blood vessels. It is crucial to strengthen a constitution that struggles to adapt to these hormonal fluctuations.

Question 7

I have prolonged brown discharge around my period.

Accepted Answer

This is a condition of "stagnant discharge" (울체) where the endometrial lining does not shed cleanly and is expelled sluggishly. It occurs due to weak uterine contractility, which results in retained remnants.

Question 8

I only get diarrhea during my period (menstrual diarrhea)

Accepted Answer

Uterine contraction substances (prostaglandins) stimulate the intestines, leading to excessive peristaltic movements. You should warm both your intestines and uterus simultaneously.

Question 9

I have my period twice a month (polymenorrhea).

Accepted Answer

A menstrual cycle shorter than 21 days may indicate weakened ovarian function or an ovulatory disorder (anovulatory bleeding). It is important to monitor for anemia and accumulated fatigue.

Question 10

My period stopped after intense dieting. Will it come back if I eat?

Accepted Answer

If body fat drops below a certain level (approximately 18-22%), the brain recognizes this as a "famine state" and shuts off reproductive functions. Restoring an appropriate weight is the top priority.

Health Solutions for Women at Every Life Stage

🏥 FAQs by Condition

Postpartum

Adenomyosis

Amenorrhea

Preparing for Easier Delivery

Menstrual

Uterine

Infertility

Menopause

💬 All FAQs 100questions

Women's Health

Trying to Conceive in My 30s - Answering Questions About Infertility Herbal Medicine | Fertility

Period Pain, Don't Suffer Anymore.

Infertility Korean Medicine Clinic: Partnering with You

The clinic is outside telephone hours

Health Solutions for Women at Every Life Stage

🏥 FAQs by Condition

Postpartum

Adenomyosis

Amenorrhea

Preparing for Easier Delivery

Menstrual

Uterine

Infertility

Menopause

💬 All FAQs 100questions

Useful Next Reads

Women's Health

Trying to Conceive in My 30s - Answering Questions About Infertility Herbal Medicine | Fertility

Period Pain, Don't Suffer Anymore.

Infertility Korean Medicine Clinic: Partnering with You

Menstrual

Uterine

Infertility