Key points for diagnosis
(1) Menstruation occurs over 7 days earlier than usual.
(2) Early menstruation accompanied by profuse discharge of menses may lead to metrorrhagia and metrostaxis.
(3) Menstruation more than 10 days earlier than usual with vaginal bleeding should be differentiated from intermenstrual bleeding.
(4) No organic changes in the pelvis are found in gynecologic examination.
Common Syndrome in TCM
1) Syndrome of liver stagnation and blood heat
Main symptoms: Early menstruation, increased quantity, purplish, reddish and sticky menses, distension of hypochondria and breasts as well as mental depression, restlessness, susceptibility to rage, bitter taste in the mouth, dry throat, yellow urine, dry stool, red tongue with yellow fur, wiry and fast pulse.
2) Syndrome of predominant yang and blood heat
Main symptoms: Early menstruation with profuse, deep-red colored and sticky menses, flushed face and dry lips, dysphoria, thirst with preference for drinking, yellow urine, dry feces, reddish tongue with yellowish fur, and rapid pulse. Continue to read TCM Treatment Evaluation for Irregular Menstruation.
3) Syndrome of yin asthenia and blood heat
Main symptoms: Early menstruation with scanty, sticky and purplish menses, feverish sensation over palms and soles, frequent tidal fever and night sweating, restlessness and insomnia, yellowish urine, oral erosion and ulceration, reddish tongue with scanty fluid, thin and yellowish tongue fur or without fur as well as thin and rapid pulse.
