🌿 Premenstrual Syndrome & Liver-Kidney Disharmony

Why do you catch colds, get moody or feel rib pain before your period?

Many women experience discomfort before menstruation—such as increased emotional sensitivity, catching colds easily, chest or rib-side distension, fatigue, or even headaches. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), these may be manifestations of Liver-Kidney disharmony, a common pattern in women of reproductive age.

📌 TCM Perspective: Liver-Kidney Relationship & PMS

In TCM, “the Liver stores Blood and governs emotional flow,” while “the Kidneys store Essence and govern reproduction.” As menstruation approaches, Liver Blood becomes more active to prepare for the cycle. If there is underlying Liver stagnation, or if the Liver and Kidneys are out of balance, it can lead to a variety of physical and emotional symptoms.

This pattern is commonly seen in:

✔ Teenagers and girls going through puberty

✔ Women under emotional or occupational stress

✔ Those with a known Liver Qi stagnation constitution or irregular cycles

💢 Common Premenstrual Symptoms & Mechanisms

1️⃣ Catching Colds or Feeling Chilled Before Period

• Blood is diverted to the uterus, weakening surface immunity (Wei Qi)

• Results in sore throat, nasal congestion, chills, or low-grade cold symptoms

• Also known as “pre-menstrual common cold” in TCM

2️⃣ Emotional Fluctuation, Rib Pain, Breast Distension

• Caused by Liver Qi stagnation

• Qi fails to flow smoothly, leading to frustration, sadness, anger, or anxiety

• May also affect digestion, appetite, and bowel movements

3️⃣ Low Back Soreness, Vaginal Discharge, Menstrual Delay

• Linked to Kidney Qi or Essence deficiency

• Uterine Qi and Blood become sluggish, leading to fatigue, pain, or late periods

🌿 Suggested Formula: Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction)

From the classical text Shang Han Lun, Xiao Chai Hu Tang is known to:

• Harmonize the Shaoyang stage (pivot between interior & exterior)

• Smooth Liver Qi

• Alleviate alternating chills and fever, rib-side pain, irritability, and digestive upset

💡 Clinical Use:

• Ideal for emotional instability, catching colds before period, rib-side discomfort, or fatigue with PMS

• Especially helpful for teenage girls during menarche (first few years of menstruation)

💡 Treatment Guidelines:

🔹 Teenage girls with unstable cycles: Take Xiao Chai Hu Tang for 5–7 days before menstruation, repeated over 2–3 cycles

🔹 Women with stress and Liver Qi stagnation: May require herbal modification—adding herbs like Xiang Fu (Cyperus), Mei Gui Hua (Rose), or Yu Jin (Curcuma) to smooth Liver Qi

🔹 If Yin Deficiency signs present: Avoid long-term use of warm, dispersing herbs. Add Zhi Mu, Mai Men Dong, or Nu Zhen Zi to protect Yin

🔹 If loose stools, fatigue, or discharge occur: Add Bai Zhu or Shan Yao to strengthen Spleen and stop leakage

🧘‍♀️ Lifestyle & Diet Tips

• Begin herbal regulation 5–7 days prior to menstruation

• Incorporate gentle stretching, walking, yoga, or qigong to relieve stagnation

• Avoid cold, greasy, or raw foods in the premenstrual phase

• Increase foods rich in B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and omega-3s to stabilize mood and support Blood

💬 Final Advice:

Premenstrual issues are common but not something you have to “put up with.” Early regulation, especially in teens or women under stress, can reduce long-term menstrual and emotional disturbances.

👉 If you or your daughter experience significant PMS or irregular periods, consider a consultation with a licensed TCM practitioner for a personalized herbal and lifestyle plan.

📩 Feel free to message or comment below for more info.