What irregular and missing cycles are
A cycle that wanders by more than a week from month to month, comes less often than every five weeks or so, or stops altogether usually means ovulation is irregular or absent. The causes are wide: PCOS, thyroid and prolactin problems, coming off hormonal contraception, intense training, low body weight, stress, and the early approach of perimenopause. Pregnancy comes first on any list. Your physician's workup tells us which of these have been ruled out.
Late, early or absent: three different readings
In the classical view, the period is the overflow of the Sea of Blood, the Chong vessel (衝脈), once it is full. A period that is late or missing asks why the sea is filling slowly or cannot overflow. Thin, scanty flow with dizziness and dry skin points toward too little blood. A long gap with low back ache and low libido points toward the Kidney. A cycle that stalls in stressful months and returns with clots reads as stagnation. A cold lower abdomen and dark, slow flow suggest cold in the uterus. Cycles that come early read differently again, often as heat or qi too weak to hold.
How we work with it
We often time care to where you are in the month even when the month is unclear, using acupuncture, Master Tung's points where they fit, and herbs that nourish first and move second. Moxibustion is added when cold is in the picture. We ask you to track bleeding days and mid-cycle signs, and if you like, morning temperature, so we can both see the cycle taking shape.
Questions people ask
My period stopped. Should I see a doctor first?
Yes. A missed period needs a pregnancy test, and a cycle that stops for several months deserves a medical workup for thyroid function, prolactin, PCOS and other causes. Once your physician has looked, we are glad to work alongside them.
Can acupuncture bring my period back?
Acupuncture and herbs are studied as support for regular ovulation, and research is ongoing. We cannot promise a period by a given date. We read why the cycle is stalling and treat that, and we track the signs of change with you.
I lost my period after training hard or losing weight. Is that different?
It reads differently. Cycles that stop with heavy training, under-eating or high stress usually point to depleted blood and essence, and the plan leans on nourishing, rest and food, alongside your physician and, where relevant, a dietitian.
I just came off the pill and my cycle has not settled. Can you help?
That is a common reason people come in. We read the cycle as it returns and support it phase by phase, while your physician rules out anything that needs medical care.
This is general wellness information, not medical advice.
