WELLNESS AUTHOR
Jing Fan, Ph.D., M.D. (China), LAc
HERBAL HORMONE HELP n How Chinese herbal medicine can support women’s hormones.
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ndocrine disorders are very common issues for women, which are often closely related to stress, diet, work and rest. It is believed that hyperinsulinemia is related to increased androgen levels, as well as obesity and type 2 diabetes. In turn, obesity can increase insulin levels, which results in the exacerbation of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Several other causes can manipulate the endocrine system in a way to create problems with female reproduction including obesity, thyroid disorders, adrenal hyperplasia and tumors in the pituitary gland. It can cause acne, irregular menstruation, insomnia, emotional instability, infertility, etc. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), endocrine disorders are mainly manifestations of yin deficiency (caused by stagnation of qi and blood, which blocks the body’s channels). This issue is very common in women. Therefore, for its treatment, we must start with regulating human hormones to make the body’s blood
AUGUST 2021
flow unblocked, thereby promoting blood circulation throughout the body. According to the principles of syndrome pattern differentiation and treatment in traditional Chinese medicine, for patients with the heat excess pattern, we should use treatment for nourishing yin. For patients with the deficiency pattern, we should pay attention to the treatment of tonifying blood and qi and supporting the kidney. The traditional Chinese herbal medicines that regulate the endocrine system include Bai Shao, He Huan Pi, Chai Hu, Yu Jin, Suan Zao Ren and Dan Shen. We will introduce them in detail below:
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1. Bai Shao (Paeonia lactiflora Alba Radix)
Bai Shao is a good herb for women. It can not only nourish yin and blood but also regulate menstruation and relieve pain. It also has a certain protective effect on the liver. It can help ease chest tightness, abdominal pain, night sweats and hot flashes caused by endocrine disorders. It also can improve women’s irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea and metrorrhagia. However, it is not suitable for patients with gallstones.
