Can taking traditional Chinese medicine cause a delayed menstrual period?

Sep 10, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

In general, whether taking traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) will cause menstrual delay needs to be determined based on the specific medications used. If you experience menstrual irregularities or other discomforts, it is recommended to seek medical advice promptly. During the course of taking TCM, you must strictly follow the guidance of healthcare professionals and should not adjust the dosage or substitute ingredients on your own. If menstrual delay occurs, you should promptly inform the prescribing practitioner to determine whether it is related to the TCM being used.

Generally speaking, whether taking traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) will affect menstrual delay depends on the specific medication used. If there is menstrual irregularity or other discomforts, timely medical consultation is recommended. The detailed analysis is as follows:

If the TCM being taken has mild effects such as regulating qi and blood or soothing the liver and regulating qi, and the dosage is within the body's tolerance range, it is usually not likely to cause menstrual delay when treating menstrual irregularities. On the contrary, it may help restore a regular menstrual cycle. This situation is considered a normal response to the medication.

If the TCM contains excessive cold-natured ingredients or the dosage exceeds the body's tolerance, it might affect the circulation of qi and blood, interfere with normal hormone secretion of the ovaries, delay follicular development and ovulation, and consequently cause menstrual delay. Such cases are usually associated with improper medication use.

During the course of taking TCM, it is essential to strictly follow the guidance of professionals and not adjust the dosage or substitute ingredients on your own. If menstrual delay occurs, promptly inform the prescribing practitioner to determine if it is related to the TCM being used. Also, monitor for other physical discomforts to avoid potential adverse effects on health due to medication issues.

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My period is 5 days late, what could be the reason?

In general, if menstruation is delayed by 5 days or more, possible causes may include high levels of mental stress, irregular lifestyle, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hyperprolactinemia, or premature ovarian failure. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, it is important to maintain a regular routine and a balanced diet.

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Why does menstruation often get delayed, and what should be done?

In general, frequent menstrual delays may be caused by excessive mental stress, irregular作息 (作息 should be translated as "lifestyle" or "作息 habits" but seems to be used as a term here), endocrine disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine cavity adhesions, or other factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general treatment, medication, or surgical intervention. Daily precautions should include keeping warm to avoid cold exposure, and undergoing regular follow-up examinations of hormone levels or gynecological ultrasound scans.

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What to Eat to Regulate Menstrual Delay

Under normal circumstances, menstrual delay can be improved by consuming foods such as spinach, black soybeans, longan, pumpkin, and brown sugar. Additionally, medications such as progesterone capsules, dydrogesterone tablets, motherwort granules, angelica pills, and traditional Chinese medicines like Wujibai Fengwan (black chicken and silkie egg pill) can be taken under a doctor's guidance for regulation. It is also important to maintain healthy lifestyle habits and a positive mindset in daily life, avoiding late nights, excessive dieting, and reducing mental stress.

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Why is my menstrual period delayed by a month, and what should I do?

In general, the main causes of a one-month menstrual delay include excessive mental stress, extreme dieting, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hypothyroidism, and intrauterine adhesions. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, it is important to maintain a regular作息 schedule, avoid excessive fatigue, and maintain a balanced diet.