- Track patterns rather than one difficult day.
- Heavy bleeding, fainting, severe pain or pregnancy concerns need medical review.
- Bring the same record to both conventional and TCM appointments.
What to record
Start with the first day of bleeding, how long it lasts, whether flow is light, moderate or unusually heavy, and whether clots are new or different. Add pain, headaches, bowel changes, sleep, mood and any medication or supplement changes. The goal is not a perfect diary; it is enough detail to notice a pattern.
Why patterns help
Sleep, stress, illness, travel, contraception, pregnancy and perimenopause can all influence symptoms. Two or three months of notes can show whether a change is repeating. This also prevents one severe but unusual day from becoming the only memory at a consultation.
How TCM may use the history
A TCM practitioner may ask about timing, colour, discomfort, temperature sensations, digestion, sleep and energy as part of traditional pattern assessment. These observations belong to the TCM framework and do not replace tests or medical assessment when abnormal bleeding, anaemia or pregnancy complications are possible.
When changes deserve medical attention
Seek medical advice if bleeding becomes very heavy, you feel faint or unusually breathless, bleeding occurs after menopause, pain suddenly becomes severe, or you may be pregnant and have pain or bleeding. Persistent changes that affect work, sleep or daily life also deserve assessment.
Questions to bring
Ask what should be checked medically, what TCM can realistically support, how progress will be reviewed and whether herbs or supplements could interact with medicines or contraception.
This guide is general education, not a diagnosis or personal treatment plan. Persistent, severe or rapidly worsening symptoms should be medically assessed.