07/18/2020
PROBLEMS AT MID-CYCLE
Obesity, which is dampness and phlegm turbidity is so common in our modern patient base. Because of poor diet, lack of exercise, and constant stress and overthinking, these repletion (excess) patterns are born of vacuity (deficiency) patterns, namely Spleen Qi. These excess Yin evils obstruct the free flow of Qi and result in Liver Depression Qi stagnation (Liver Qi Stagnation) and very often, depressive (stagnant) heat.
Now, let's look at the menstrual cycle. At mid cycle, Yin is at it's maximum and about to transform into Yang. As you know, all transformations in the body happen vis a vis the Qi mechanism which is governed by the Liver. If the patient has a weak Spleen coupled with being overweight, when Yin reaches it maximum, Yin evils can be engendered or exacerbated. If this happens, the Liver becomes depressed and the Qi dynamic is deranged resulting in potential damp-heat patterns at mid cycle, possibly UTIs or yeast infections, or excessive, foul smelling vaginal discharge (different in amount, color, and texture from physiological fertile mucous) Further, this obstruction of the free flow of Liver Qi can cause mid-cycle cramping/pain, potentially mid-cycle spotting or bleeding if Liver Depression transforms into heat and cause Blood to move frenetically outside its normal pathways. It can also cause or contribute to anovulation and thus the Chinese diseases of "blocked menstruation" and "infertility" This is a common real-life pattern scenario found in many PCOS patients. If your patients fit this pattern, consider adding dampness-draining and/or phlegm-transforming medicinals to your mid-cycle formulas.
