TCM for Hormonal Balance: Natural Remedies for PCOS, PMS & Irregular Periods

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If you’re struggling with irregular periods, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), PMS (premenstrual syndrome), or hormonal imbalances, you’re not alone. Many women experience these issues, and while Western medicine often focuses on birth control pills or hormonal treatments, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic, natural approach.

So, how does TCM help balance hormones and support reproductive health? Let’s dive into TCM remedies, acupuncture points, and herbal solutions for PCOS, PMS, and irregular periods.

What is PMS & PCOS?

PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)

PMS refers to the physical and emotional symptoms that occur before menstruation. Common symptoms include:
✔ Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or depression
✔ Bloating and water retention
✔ Breast tenderness
✔ Fatigue and headaches
✔ Food cravings

In TCM, PMS is often linked to Liver Qi stagnation, meaning that stress, emotions, and poor circulation disrupt the natural flow of energy (Qi) in the body.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects ovulation and causes:
✔ Irregular or missed periods
✔ Ovarian cysts
✔ Weight gain, especially around the belly
✔ Acne and excessive hair growth
✔ Insulin resistance

In TCM, PCOS is often due to Dampness, Phlegm accumulation, and Kidney deficiency, leading to poor metabolism, hormonal imbalances, and stagnation in the reproductive system.

How TCM Balances Hormones Naturally

  1. Acupressure & Acupuncture for Hormonal Balance
    • Stimulating specific acupressure points can help regulate your cycle and balance hormones. Try massaging these points daily:
      • San Yin Jiao (三阴交 SP6) – Inner leg, 3 inches above the ankle. Supports the spleen, liver, and kidney for reproductive health.
      • Tai Chong (太冲 LV3) – Located in the dip just past the joint of the first and second toes. Helps relieve stress, balance liver Qi, and improve blood circulation
      • Qi Hai (气海 REN6) – About two finger widths below the belly button. Strengthens Qi, boosts energy flow, and supporting reproductive health.
      • He Gu (合谷 LI4) – Located on the back of the hand, in the fleshy area between the thumb and index finger. Helps with stress-related menstrual issues, and relieve period pain.

Regular acupuncture sessions with a TCM practitioner can further improve menstrual health and regulate ovulation.

  1. TCM Herbs for PMS, PCOS & Menstrual Health
    • Certain TCM herbs help nourish the body and regulate hormones:
      • Dang Gui (当归, Angelica Root) – Known as “female ginseng,” it helps regulate periods, improve blood flow, and relieve cramps.
      • Bai Shao (白芍, White Peony Root) – Supports liver Qi, reduces mood swings, and eases PMS symptoms.
      • Gui Zhi (桂枝, Cinnamon Twig) – Improves circulation and warms the uterus, preventing period pain.
      • Fu Ling (茯苓, Poria Mushroom) – Helps eliminate dampness, reduce bloating, and balance hormones.

Always consult a licensed TCM practitioner before taking herbs to ensure the right combination for your body type.

  1. TCM Diet for Hormonal Balance
    • Your diet plays a crucial role in regulating hormones naturally. Here are some TCM-approved foods for menstrual health:
      • ✔ Blood-nourishing foods – Black sesame, red dates, goji berries, and leafy greens support circulation.
      • ✔ Damp-clearing foods – Bitter melon, mung beans, and barley help remove excess dampness, especially for PCOS.
      • ✔ Warm, nourishing foods – Bone broth, soups, and porridge to support digestion and hormone production.
      • ✔ Avoid cold & raw foods – Cold drinks and raw salads can weaken digestion and slow metabolism.
  1. Lifestyle Tips for Better Hormonal Health
    • Reduce stress – Practice yoga, meditation, or Qi Gong to ease liver Qi stagnation.
    • Improve sleep – Go to bed before 11 PM to support kidney energy.
    • Stay active – Gentle exercises like walking, stretching, and Tai Chi help circulation.

Final Thoughts

TCM provides a natural and effective way to support hormonal balance, regulate periods, and manage PCOS and PMS symptoms. Whether through acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary changes, or stress management, these holistic remedies can help you achieve better reproductive health.

Have you tried TCM for hormonal balance? Share your experience in the comments below!

Here are some simple TCM herbal remedies to help with PMS, PCOS, and irregular periods:

  1. Goji Berry & Red Date Tea (补血茶) – Nourishes Blood & Regulates Periods
    • Ingredients:
      • 5 red dates (remove seeds). If desired, you can replace the red dates with an equal amount of dried longan, or use half red dates and half dried longan.
      • 1 tbsp goji berries
      • 1 1/2 cups water
    • Instructions:
      • 1. Boil red dates in water for 10 minutes.
      • 2. Add goji berries and simmer for another 5 minutes.
      • 3. Drink warm.
    • Benefits: Supports blood circulation, improves energy, and helps regulate periods.
  2. Cinnamon & Ginger Tea (桂枝姜茶) – Warms the Uterus & Relieves Cramps
    • Ingredients:
      • 1 small cinnamon stick
      • 3 slices fresh ginger with skin
      • 1 1/2 cups water
      • 1 tbsp organic blackstrap molasses
    • Instructions:
      • 1. Boil cinnamon stick and ginger in water for 10 minutes.
      • 2. Strain and add blackstrap molasses.
      • 3. Drink warm, especially before your period.
    • Benefits: Warms the body, improves circulation, and reduces menstrual pain.
  3. Dang Gui & Goji Berry Soup (当归枸杞汤) – Hormonal Balance & Blood Nourishment
    • Ingredients:
      • 5g Dang Gui
      • 1 tbsp goji berries
      • 1 hard boiled egg (for protein)
      • 2 cups water
    • Instructions:
      • 1. Simmer all ingredients for 20-30 minutes. Add in goji berries in the last 5 minutes.
      • 2. Drink as a soup 2 times a week.
    • Benefits: Helps balance hormones, reduce PMS symptoms, and improve fertility.
  4. Mung Bean & Barley Drink (绿豆薏米水) – Clears Dampness & Supports PCOS
    • Ingredients:
      • 2 tbsp organic mung beans
      • 2 tbsp organic barley
      • 5 red dates (optional) (remove seeds)
      • 3 cups water
    • Instructions:
      • 1. Soak mung beans and barley for 2 hours, and rinse.
      • 2. Simmer all ingredients for 20–30 minutes, then strain.
      • 3. Drink warm, 3–4 times a week.
    • Benefits: Helps with PCOS by clearing dampness and reducing bloating.
nadi
Author: nadi

Helping others look and feel their best as a cosmetic acupuncturist, naturopath, and writer with a love for holistic wellness—flowing with ancient wisdom to inspire natural beauty and well-being.

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