What illness might dark circles under the eyes indicate?

Dark circles under the eyes may result from merely physiological factors, or they could be an early sign of pathological conditions such as menstrual irregularity or kidney deficiency.

I. Physiological Factors

If a person's lifestyle is consistently irregular, or if they frequently stay up late due to work or other reasons, excessive eye use may slow down metabolism around the eyes. This can prevent waste products from being properly eliminated from the skin surrounding the eyes, leading to dark circles.

II. Pathological Factors

1. Menstrual Irregularity

Dark circles may also appear in women who have recently experienced poor mental health or unhealthy eating habits—particularly those who are overly anxious or consume excessive cold or raw foods. These factors can disrupt the endocrine system, often resulting in menstrual irregularities.

2. Kidney Deficiency

Individuals with kidney deficiency generally have weaker physical constitutions and slower blood circulation and metabolism. When this affects the eye area, it may manifest as dark circles.

In addition, dark circles can also occur in people suffering from liver diseases such as hepatitis. It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation for accurate diagnosis.