Can regular consumption of donkey-hide gelatin (ejiao) lead to heavy menstrual bleeding?

It is widely known that Chinese red dates (jujubes) and donkey-hide gelatin (ejiao) are traditionally used to nourish the blood. Many women consume jujubes or ejiao during their menstrual period to replenish blood. But does regular consumption of ejiao lead to heavier menstrual bleeding?

Can regular intake of ejiao cause increased menstrual flow?

Generally speaking, women should avoid taking ejiao during menstruation. However, the key point to understand here is the potential impact of consuming ejiao *during* the menstrual period. As a traditional Chinese herbal remedy for nourishing the blood, ejiao does not delay menstruation. Nevertheless, timing is crucial when taking ejiao—certain phases of the menstrual cycle are more appropriate than others.

Consuming large amounts of ejiao during menstruation may affect menstrual regularity and flow—potentially causing either abnormally heavy or reduced bleeding. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid taking ejiao during the menstrual period. Ejiao functions both to nourish the blood and to help control bleeding, and thus can help regulate menstrual disorders caused by blood deficiency in women. However, dosage and timing—including use during the premenstrual phase or weight-loss regimens—can influence menstrual fluctuations. Consequently, ejiao may be safely taken after menstruation ends or during the premenstrual phase, but should be avoided *during* active menstruation.

After menstruation, many women notice changes in their subsequent menstrual flow—either an increase or decrease in volume—following ejiao consumption. In fact, ejiao significantly influences menstruation and can alter flow volume. Thus, selecting the optimal timing for ejiao intake is essential; it should never be taken during menstruation. If ejiao is inadvertently consumed during this time, medical evaluation is advisable. We hope this article has been helpful. Wishing you a joyful life and good health!