What's Your Menstrual Pattern? A TCM-based assessment to help you understand your cycle

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Quiz Questions

1.
Can you remember your age when you got your first period?
- A.
  Before 13 years old
- B.
  13 - 16 years old
- C.
  After 16 years old
2.
How long is your cycle
- A.
  Regular 24-32 days
- B.
  Always early under 23 days
- C.
  Always longer than 32 days
- D.
  Irregular (sometimes late, sometimes late)
3.
Would you consider the flow/amount
- A.
  Light
- B.
  Normal/regular
- C.
  Heavy
4.
How would you describe the colour?
- A.
  Dark red
- B.
  Bright red
- C.
  Blackish, very dark
- D.
  Purplish
- E.
  Normal red (unremarkable)
- F.
  Pale/pinkish
- G.
  Brownish
- H.
  Scarlet
5.
Consistency
- A.
  Clotted with dark/dull clots
- B.
  Clotted with brighter clots
- C.
  Normal with no clots
- D.
  Large clots
- E.
  Small dark clots with normal coloured blood
- F.
  Thin watery blood
6.
How would you describe pain with the period (click all that apply)
- A.
  Only slight discomfort before/during
- B.
  Pain before the period
- C.
  Pain during the period (moderate)
- D.
  Severe stabbing/pricking pain
- E.
  Severe cramping (eased by heat)
- F.
  Feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen with pain
- G.
  Pain after the period
- H.
  Mid cycle/ovulation pain
7.
Premenstrual Symptoms
- A.
  Irritability, depression, mood swings,
- B.
  Swelling water retention
- C.
  Swollen breasts
- D.
  Tender Breasts
- E.
  I don't really suffer
- F.
  Spotting before period

Quiz Outcomes

1.
Blood Deficiency
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Possible TCM Pattern: Blood DeficiencyIn Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Blood Deficiency describes a pattern in which the body may not have enough Blood to adequately nourish and support its tissues and functions. In relation to your menstrual cycle, this may be associated with lighter periods, pale menstrual blood, fatigue, dizziness or a tendency towards feeling cold.Your answers suggest that Blood Deficiency may be a relevant pattern for you. A TCM practitioner would consider these symptoms alongside your overall health, menstrual history and other signs before determining your individual pattern.
2.
Qi Deficiency
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Possible TCM Pattern: Qi DeficiencyIn Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Qi is the body's vital energy, which supports its everyday functions. Qi Deficiency describes a pattern in which this energy may be insufficient to carry out these functions effectively. In relation to your menstrual cycle, this may be associated with fatigue, low energy, a tendency to feel exhausted, and lighter periods.Your answers suggest that Qi Deficiency may be a relevant pattern for you. A TCM practitioner would consider these symptoms alongside your overall health, menstrual history and other signs to build a more complete picture of your individual pattern.
3.
Kidney Deficiency
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Possible TCM Pattern: Kidney DeficiencyIn Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Kidney system is a concept that relates to growth, development, reproductive health and the body's underlying reserves. Kidney Deficiency describes a pattern in which these functions may be less well supported. It does not indicate a problem with your physical kidneys as understood in Western medicine.In relation to your menstrual cycle, this pattern may be associated with irregular periods, changes in menstrual flow, or difficulties relating to reproductive health.Your answers suggest that this pattern may be relevant to you. A TCM practitioner would consider your menstrual history, overall health and other symptoms to understand your individual pattern.
4.
Heat
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Possible TCM Pattern: HeatIn Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Heat describes a pattern of excess warmth or activity within the body. This does not necessarily mean you have a raised body temperature or a fever. Heat may be reflected in symptoms such as feeling unusually warm, increased thirst, irritability, or changes in your menstrual cycle.In relation to your periods, this pattern may be associated with heavier bleeding, bright red menstrual blood, or feeling warmer or more restless around menstruation.Your answers suggest that a Heat pattern may be relevant to you. A TCM practitioner would consider these symptoms alongside your menstrual history and overall health to understand your individual pattern.
5.
Cold
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Possible TCM Pattern: ColdIn Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Cold describes a pattern in which coldness is thought to affect the body's functions and the smooth flow of Qi and Blood. This does not necessarily mean your body temperature is low. It may be reflected in symptoms such as feeling cold easily, cold hands and feet, or discomfort that improves with warmth.In relation to your menstrual cycle, this pattern may be associated with painful periods, delayed menstruation or menstrual blood that is darker in colour, and cramping pain relieved by heatYour answers suggest that a Cold pattern may be relevant to you. A TCM practitioner would consider your menstrual history, overall health and other symptoms to understand your individual pattern.
6.
Blood Stasis
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Possible TCM Pattern: Blood StasisIn Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Blood Stasis describes a pattern in which the smooth flow of Blood is thought to be disrupted. This is a TCM concept and does not necessarily mean there is a blockage or circulation problem identified by Western medicine.In relation to your menstrual cycle, this pattern may be associated with painful periods, dark menstrual blood, blood clots or pain that feels fixed in one area.Your answers suggest that Blood Stasis may be a relevant pattern for you. A TCM practitioner would consider your menstrual history, pain patterns and overall health to understand your individual pattern.
7.
Liver Qi Stagnation
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Possible TCM Pattern: Liver Qi StagnationIn Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Liver has an important role in maintaining the smooth flow of Qi (the body's vital energy) throughout the body. This function is associated with the free flow of physical and emotional processes, including the movement of Blood and the regulation of the menstrual cycle. The TCM Liver is a functional concept and is not the same as the physical liver recognised in Western medicine.When Liver Qi becomes stagnant, this smooth flow is thought to be disrupted. In relation to your menstrual cycle, this may be associated with PMS, irritability, mood changes, breast tenderness, bloating or periods that are irregular or delayed.Your answers suggest that Liver Qi Stagnation may be a relevant pattern for you. A TCM practitioner would consider your menstrual history, emotional wellbeing and other symptoms to understand your individual pattern.
8.
Damp/Phlegm
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Possible TCM Pattern: Dampness and PhlegmIn Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Dampness and Phlegm describe patterns associated with the body's handling and movement of fluids. They are TCM concepts and do not necessarily mean you have excess mucus or a medical condition involving phlegm. These patterns are often linked to a feeling of heaviness, sluggishness or fluid accumulation within the body's functional systems.In relation to menstrual and reproductive health, Dampness and Phlegm may be associated with a feeling of heaviness, bloating, irregular periods or changes in menstrual flow. In TCM, this pattern may also be considered when exploring factors associated with PCOS and ovulatory difficulties, although it does not establish either condition.Your answers suggest that Dampness and Phlegm may be relevant patterns for you. A TCM practitioner would consider your menstrual history, overall health and other symptoms to understand your individual pattern.
9.
Normal Cycle
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Your Results: A Balanced Menstrual CycleBased on your answers, your menstrual cycle does not strongly suggest any of the main Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) patterns explored in this quiz.In TCM, a healthy menstrual cycle is generally considered to reflect a good balance of Qi and Blood, with their smooth movement supporting the menstrual process. Your answers may indicate that these aspects are relatively balanced.This is encouraging, but it does not necessarily mean that every aspect of your menstrual or reproductive health has been assessed. If you have symptoms or concerns about your cycle or fertility, a practitioner can explore these in more detail and consider your overall health.