What Chinese herbs should be taken for luteal phase defect?
Dec 09, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
In traditional Chinese medicine, luteal phase defect mostly falls under the categories of delayed menstruation and inadequate corpus luteum function. It may be treated with Chinese herbal medicines such as Bazhen Yimu Pills, Liuwei Dihuang Pills, Jinkui Shenqi Pills, Guipi Pills, or Xiaoyao Pills according to medical advice, with specific prescriptions based on syndrome differentiation including deficiencies in qi and blood, yin and yang, or qi stagnation. If symptoms such as menstrual disorders or infertility persist without improvement, prompt medical consultation is recommended.
Luteal phase deficiency in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) often falls under the category of luteal insufficiency with delayed menstruation. It can be managed with TCM formulas such as Bazhen Yimu Pills, Liuwei Dihuang Pills, Jinkui Shenqi Pills, Guipi Pills, and Xiaoyao Pills, as prescribed by a healthcare provider. Treatment should be individualized based on syndrome differentiation, including deficiencies in qi, blood, yin, yang, or conditions like qi stagnation. If symptoms such as menstrual irregularities or infertility persist without improvement, prompt medical consultation is recommended.
1. Bazhen Yimu Pills: These primarily tonify qi and nourish blood while promoting blood circulation and regulating menstruation. They are suitable for luteal phase deficiency caused by both qi-blood deficiency and blood stasis, especially when accompanied by delayed periods, scanty menstrual flow, and physical fatigue. The formula helps replenish qi and blood, improving inadequate nourishment of the corpus luteum.
2. Liuwei Dihuang Pills: This formula mainly nourishes yin and tonifies the kidneys. It targets luteal phase deficiency due to kidney yin deficiency, particularly when associated with symptoms like tidal fever, night sweats, soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, dizziness, and tinnitus. It nourishes kidney yin, regulates endocrine function, and supports the recovery of luteal function.
3. Jinkui Shenqi Pills: Known for warming and tonifying kidney yang, this formula is used for luteal phase deficiency caused by kidney yang deficiency. It addresses symptoms such as cold intolerance, low volume of pale menstrual blood, and cold limbs. By warming kidney yang, it promotes luteal hormone secretion and alleviates symptoms related to uterine coldness.
4. Guipi Pills: These strengthen the spleen and tonify qi, nourish blood, and calm the mind. They are ideal for cases of luteal phase deficiency due to spleen deficiency leading to insufficient production of qi and blood. Common accompanying symptoms include poor appetite, palpitations, insomnia, and sallow complexion. The formula enhances spleen function and provides essential substances to support luteal function.
5. Xiaoyao Pills: These focus on soothing the liver, strengthening the spleen, nourishing blood, and regulating menstruation. They are indicated for luteal dysfunction caused by liver qi stagnation and spleen deficiency, especially when associated with depressed mood, breast distension, and menstrual irregularities. The formula helps relieve liver qi stagnation and harmonizes the spleen and stomach, thereby improving endocrine imbalances.
In daily life, maintaining emotional well-being to prevent liver qi stagnation, adhering to regular sleep patterns without staying up late, consuming nourishing foods such as red dates, goji berries, and Chinese yam, avoiding raw, cold, and cooling foods, and engaging in moderate exercise to enhance overall constitution can create favorable conditions for herbal treatment of luteal function.
