How Your Digestion Affects Your Period

Have you ever wondered how your digestion affects your period? While the connection might not be immediately obvious, TCM has long recognized the link between the Spleen organ system’s role in digestion and menstrual health. In recent years, modern research has begun to confirm what TCM practitioners have known for centuries: good digestion is essential for a healthy menstrual cycle.

The Spleen's Role in Digestion and Menstrual Health

In TCM, the Spleen is known as the  vital organ responsible for transforming food into Qi (vital energy) and Blood, which are crucial for overall health and menstrual well-being. A strong Spleen supports good digestion and provides the body with the energy needed to maintain a regular menstrual cycle.

How the Spleen Supports Menstrual Health:

• Qi and Blood Production: The Spleen transforms nutrients into Qi and Blood, which are vital for nourishing the body and supporting overall health. Adequate Blood production is essential for a regular menstrual cycle, as it ensures that the body has the resources needed for hormonal balance and reproductive health.
• Energy Flow: A balanced Spleen ensures smooth energy flow and supports the regulation of cortisol, a stress hormone that can interfere with reproductive hormones if imbalanced. By keeping cortisol levels in check, the Spleen helps maintain a stable hormonal environment conducive to regular cycles.
• Hormonal Balance: Efficient digestion ensures that vital nutrients are absorbed, supporting the endocrine system in producing and regulating estrogen and progesterone, hormones essential for menstrual health.

Symptoms of Spleen Qi Deficiency and Phlegm Dampness

When the Spleen is weakened, it can lead to the pattern diagnoses Spleen Qi deficiency and the accumulation of phlegm dampness. This imbalance often manifests as:

• Fatigue and Brain Fog: Feeling tired and mentally sluggish, especially after meals.
• Digestive Issues: Bloating, cravings for sweets, and difficulty with digestion.
• Physical Signs: Easy bruising and a dull complexion.

Causes of Spleen Qi Deficiency

There are many contributing factors that can lead to Spleen Qi deficiency, including: 

1. Mental strain: thinking and worrying too much 
2. Diet: too much cold and raw foods, iced drinks, irregular eating schedule, eating on the go, heavy and greasy foods, dairy 
3. Stress: chronic stress, unresolved emotions, overwork, chronic illness, not enough sleep  

The Spleen's Influence on Period Symptoms

Spleen Qi Deficiency occurs when the Spleen's ability to transform and transport nutrients is impaired, leading to insufficient Qi and Blood production. In the context of menstrual health, this can result in:

• Irregular Periods: Due to a lack of Qi and Blood to nourish the uterus.
• Heavy or Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding: As the Spleen struggles to keep Blood within the vessels.
• Period Pain and Cramps: From Qi and Blood stagnation caused by the Spleen's weakened function.
• Digestive Complaints: Like period poops, nausea, and fullness resulting from poor digestion. 

Phlegm Dampness results from the Spleen's inability to properly metabolize fluids, leading to excess moisture in the body. Symptoms related to menstrual health include:

• Bloating and Water Retention: Common during the menstrual cycle due to damp accumulation.
• Ovarian Cysts and Fibroids: Phlegm can congeal and form masses in the body.

Modern Research on Digestion and Menstrual Health

Recent studies align with CM's understanding of the digestion-period connection. Research has shown that good gut health is linked to balanced hormones and regular menstrual cycles. Digestive issues like IBS can contribute to irregular periods, while a healthy diet can improve PMS symptoms and period regularity. For more, check out our article on The Gut Hormone Connection.

Fun Chinese Medicine Fact

If you often crave sweets, it's actually your body giving you wise signals. In TCM, sweet is the flavor associated with the Spleen, meaning that naturally sweet foods can support and strengthen it. However, our modern diet has skewed our perception of sweetness. 

Naturally sweet foods include options like sweet potatoes, beets, and carrots. Interestingly, many of these are root vegetables, which isn't a coincidence. When the Spleen is imbalanced, it often means you need help grounding, and root vegetables can help your body and nervous system feel more stable, thus supporting the Spleen! So go ahead, pre-bake some sweet potatoes to have on hand, and see if they help satisfy your afternoon cookie craving.

Best Herbs for Digestion 

In TCM, specific herbs are highly valued for their ability to support digestion and overall health. Here are some of the most effective herbs for improving digestive function and promoting a healthy menstrual cycle:

• Poria (Fu Ling): Poria is known for its ability to drain dampness and strengthen the Spleen. By removing excess moisture from the body, Poria helps alleviate symptoms of bloating and supports the transformation of nutrients into Qi and Blood. This process is essential for maintaining energy levels and hormonal balance. It’s also revered for its mood-boosting, mind-clearing effects. 
• Atractylodes (Bai Zhu): Atractylodes is a key herb for the Spleen and improving digestion. It helps strengthen the digestive system, enhance nutrient absorption, and reduce feelings of heaviness and fatigue. By supporting the Spleen, Atractylodes helps ensure that the body has the energy and resources needed for regular menstrual cycles.
• Ginger (Jiang): Ginger is widely used to warm the digestive system and dispel cold, which can lead to digestive stagnation. It helps improve circulation, reduces nausea, and alleviates bloating. Ginger's warming properties support the Spleen and Stomach, promoting efficient digestion and nutrient absorption.
• Mint (Bo He): Mint is known for its cooling and soothing effects on the digestive system. It helps relieve symptoms of indigestion, such as gas and bloating, and can calm the stomach. Mint also supports the smooth flow of Qi, which is vital for reducing stress and promoting regular menstrual cycles.
• Licorice (Gan Cao): Licorice is often used to harmonize herbal formulas and enhance the effects of other herbs. It supports the Spleen and Stomach, reduces inflammation, and promotes a balanced digestive environment. Licorice's ability to harmonize helps ensure that digestion is smooth and efficient, contributing to hormonal balance and menstrual health

If you are experiencing any symptoms of Spleen Qi deficiency (as most of us do), it is very likely you will find some, if not all of the above herbs in your customized Cycle Balance formula.

Top Herbs for PMS Symptoms

Cycle Balance takes into account your specific presentation, and includes herbs that support your digestive and menstrual health by nourishing Spleen Qi, reducing phlegm dampness, and promoting healthy energy flow. This holistic approach can help you experience improved digestion with reduced bloating and cravings, which in turn will help to regulate your cycles with fewer cramps and PMS symptoms.

Chinese Medicine for Digestion

Our wellness line has formulas specially targeted towards digestion, and pair wonderfully with your personalized Cycle Balance formula. If you often find yourself bloated after meals, check out Zoey’s Digestif, or if you find stress takes a toll on your digestion, Daily Harmony is the formula for you. Additionally, we all love to have Ginger Aide on hand to warm up cold drinks that can be hard on the Spleen. 

Personalized Support

Understanding the connection between your digestion and menstrual health can empower you to make informed choices for your well-being. By supporting your Spleen and digestion, you can improve your menstrual health and overall vitality. 

Start Healing Today!

Sources

1. The Gut Microbiome and Female Health - PMC
2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome and the Menstrual Cycle - PMC
3. The Effect of the Menstrual Cycle on Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Prospective Study - PMC
4. Association between gut microbiota and menstrual disorders: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study - PMC

This article was reviewed by Zoey Gong.

Zoey Gong is a Traditional Chinese Medicine nutritionist, food therapist, and chef. Her recipes have been featured in various publications, including the cover of Food & Wine magazine in the February 2023 issue. She’s the author of The Five Elements Cookbook: A Guide to Traditional Chinese Medicine with Recipes for Everyday Healing, where she guides readers in the basics of TCM through encyclopedic entries on common ingredients and 50 nourishing recipes.