This irregular menstruation Long Covid study demonstrates the effectiveness of electro-acupuncture in treating post-COVID-19 menstrual irregularities. Study investigators selected forty women suffering from irregular menstruation following Covid-19 and divided them into three groups based on symptoms. Then, practitioners treated them once a week for twelve weeks with electro-acupuncture using the acupoints Tianshu (ST25), Zigong (EX-CA1), Sanyinjiao (SP6), and Xuehai (SP10).
After treatment, 33 of the 40 women experienced complete relief and returned to their normal period, while seven continued to experience problems (82.5% effectiveness rate). As a result, investigators concluded that electro-acupuncture regulated the menstrual cycle by restoring the healthy functioning of the liver, kidneys, and spleen. In addition, treatments improved patients’ physical condition and quality of life.
Long Covid and Irregular Menstruation
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the virus has increased women’s risks of suffering from menstrual irregularities following an infection. A recent study shows that among 237 patients with COVID-19, 25% experienced post-infection changes in menstrual volume, while 19% developed prolonged cycles, confirming the relationship between COVID-19 and menstrual irregularities.
Another survey-based study revealed that COVID-19 affected the menstrual cycles in women in the following ways:
- Unpredictable periods (the dates and length changed each month).
- Variable amounts of bleeding (from light to heavy or vice versa).
- Significant variation in the duration of bleeding from month to month.
- Increased spotting throughout the month.
- Worsening premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Signs of Irregular Menstruation
A normal menstrual cycle occurs every 21 to 35 days and lasts two to seven days, with the average menstrual cycle lasting 28 days. Alternatively, an irregular menstrual cycle falls into the following categories:
- The absence of menstruation for one or more menstrual periods is defined as amenorrhea.
- A menstrual cycle is early if it is advanced by seven days and delayed if prolonged by seven days.
- Menstrual irregularities can be caused by an imbalance of hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone.
- Ongoing irregular menstruation can make it difficult to conceive.
- The adverse effects may influence patients’ everyday life and work.
Acupuncture Treats Gynecological Diseases
The researchers in this irregular menstruation Long Covid study stated that acupuncture has effectively treated gynecological diseases in China for thousands of years. Researchers have conducted numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of various acupuncture techniques in treating irregular menstruation. These clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in improving menstrual frequency. Further studies show that acupuncture helps regulate reproductive issues, including irregular menstruation and hormonal imbalances.
In addition, acupuncture reduces stress, improves blood flow in the pelvic area, and thickens the endometrium, improving the menstrual cycle. Furthermore, acupuncture promotes the recovery of the menstrual cycle by selecting specific acupoints and their manipulation. Artificial-cycle therapy with acupuncture is remarkably successful in regulating menstrual cycles. Modern studies have confirmed that stimulating relevant acupoints can regulate the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and promote the development and secretion of follicles to improve the level of hormones. Finally, acupuncture therapy effectively relieves the clinical symptoms of PMS by regulating endocrine hormones.
Irregular Menstruation Long Covid Study
Investigators collected data from 40 female patients suffering from menstrual irregularities following a Covid infection. Among the 40 cases, there were 12 cases of early menstruation, 15 cases of delayed menstruation, and 13 cases of amenorrhea. The age of the patients ranged between 22 and 45. Most common clinical symptoms included irregular menstruation (early or delayed), abdominal pain or cramps, heavy bleeding or scant blood flow, cycles that were too short or too long, unusual clotting of the blood, headaches, dizziness, tiredness, poor memory, lower back pain, irritability, tender breasts, night sweats, bloating, cravings for sugar, anxiety, depression, anemia, emotional distress, sadness or crying, weight gained, and hair loss.
Syndrome Differentiation
Researchers in this irregular menstruation Long Covid study categorized the 40 patients into three pattern groups based on whether their main symptoms were related to liver qi stagnation, qi and blood deficiency, or spleen and kidney yang deficiency.
Liver Qi Stagnation
The main symptoms of liver qi Stagnation include irregular menstruation (early or delayed), heavy or light menstrual volume, dark red blood with clots, the blood flow not smoothy, accompanied by chest, epigastrium or abdomen distension, premenstrual tension, anger, sighing, anxiety, depression, mood swings, moodiness, melancholy, hypochondria, a persistent feeling of a lump in the throat, premenstrual breast distension, dysmenorrhea, a red tongue with a thin coating, and a stringy pulse.
Liver qi stagnation treatment strategy:
- Soothe the liver
- Invigorate the liver qi.
Qi and Blood Deficiency
Primary symptoms of Qi and Blood Deficiency include irregular menstruation (early or delayed), heavy or light menstrual volume, light red blood with no clots, increased or decreased menstrual volume, accompanied by palpitations, fatigue, dizziness, anemia, insomnia, pale or sallow complexion, poor appetite, loose stools, weak voice, poor memory, general weakness, shortness of breath, numbness in the skin and limbs, a pale tongue with a white coating, a thin and deep pulse.
Qi and Blood Deficiency treatment strategy:
- Nourish qi and blood.
- Invigorate blood and qi circulation.
- Strengthen the spleen and kidney qi.
Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency
Key symptoms of Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency include irregular menstruation (early or delayed), heavy menstrual flow, light red blood, accompanied by fatigue, tinnitus, dizziness, weak legs, gassiness, bloating, abdominal fullness, lack of appetite, lower back pain, frequent nocturnal urination, cold limbs, sensitive to the cold, pale or sallow complexion, a puffy, pale and wet tongue with a slippery coating and tooth marks on the sides, a deep, weak and slow pulse.
Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency treatment strategy:
- Tonify and warm the kidney and spleen yang
- Invigorate the spleen and kidney qi
- Nourish qi and blood
Treatment Method Acupoints
-
Investigators in this irregular menstruation Long Covid study created the following treatment groups:
- First Group Electro-Acupoints: Tianshu (ST25), Zigong (EX-CA1), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Xuehai (SP10).
- Second Group Auricular points: Gomadptropin, Endocrine, Uterus, Kidney, Liver, Pituitary, Ovary.
- Third Group Body Acupoints: Guanyuan (REN4), Zusanli (ST36), Neiguan (PC6), Gongsun (SP4), Hegu (LI4), Taichong (LIV3).
Liver qi stagnation: Groups 1, 2, 3, and Ganshu (BL18), Qimen (LIV14)
Qi and blood deficiency: Groups 1, 2, 3, and Pishu (BL20), Geshu (BL17), Qihai (REN6)
Spleen and kidney yang deficiency: Groups 1, 2, 3, and Diji (SP8), Taixi (KID3)
Acupuncture Manipulation
The order of inserting the needles was from the lower limbs to the abdomen, starting on the left side of the body and finishing on the right side. Practitioners utilized disposable sterile needles, size 0.25×25 mm, inserted perpendicularly in all points to a depth of 10 to 15 mm. They inserted needles bilaterally and used a heat lamp on the belly during the session.
An electro-acupuncture stimulator (model KWD-808I, brand Great Wall) was connected ipsilateral at four acupoints using two groups (Tianshu (ST25) and Zigong (EX-CA1); Sanyinjiao (SP6) and Xuehai (SP10)) and set to a continuous wave, with an intensity based on the patient’s preference. Next, the practitioners manipulated the rest of the acupoints by lifting and twisting until eliciting a De qi sensation (soreness, numbness, and heaviness). The needling technique was an even reinforcing-reducing method. The needles remain inserted for 30 minutes during each session. Treatments occurred once a week for 12 weeks utilizing all three groups of acupoints.
Irregular Menstruation Study Outcomes
33 of the 40 patients experienced complete recovery, while seven cases were not responsive, making a total effective rate of 82.5%. After 12 sessions of acupuncture, the menstrual duration, volume, and length returned to normal for 33 of the women. In addition, the associated main symptoms resolved, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) decreased, and overall quality of life improved.
Chinese Medicine, Menstrual Irregularities and Long Covid
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, COVID-19 is an invasion of the body by “Cold-Damp with Toxins,” primarily located in the lungs and spleen. The researchers in this irregular menstruation Long Covid study explained that COVID-19 damages the respiratory system, brain, lungs, heart, liver, kidneys, blood, nervous system, and reproductive system. In addition, contracting COVID-19 can impact menstruation and the menstrual cycle.
According to TCM theory, menstrual blood flow comes from the kidneys because the kidneys are most closely related to the physiological development of women, including menstruation. We find the first reference to this in the ancient TCM treatise, The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, which states:
“In general, the reproductive physiology of woman is such that at seven years of age, her kidneys’ energy is strong. At fourteen years, Tian Gui, her fertility essence is mature, the Ren meridian and Chong meridian are flourishing, menstruation begins, and conception is possible.”
The second reference is by Fu Shan (1607-1684 AD) of the Qing Dynasty. He states, in his famous treatise Fu Qingzhu’s Obstetrics and Gynecology:
“Kidney is the original source of menstruation.” and “The spleen is acquired, the kidney is innate. The spleen cannot generate without innate qi.”
TCM and Menstrual Disorders
TCM believes that menstrual disorders are related to the function of the kidneys, spleen, liver, qi, and blood in the uterus and disharmony between the Chong and Ren meridians. Acupuncture treats menstrual irregularities by selecting specific points to improve the flow of blood and qi to the ovaries and uterus, nourish the blood and qi, soothe the liver, invigorate liver qi, invigorate the spleen and kidney qi, and restore harmony between the Chong and Ren meridians.
Long Covid Study Acupoints
In this irregular menstruation Long Covid study, the treatment strategy was to use electro-acupuncture at the acupoints Tianshu (ST25), Zigong (EXCA1), Sanyinjiao (SP6) and Xuehai (SP10). The functions of each acupoint are listed below.
Tian Shu (ST25) belongs to the stomach meridian of foot yang ming. It is also the front mu point of the large intestine meridian. Tian Shu means “Heaven’s Pivot,” one of the names for the Big Dipper constellation. Its clinical applications are gynecological disorders such as menstrual irregularities, amenorrhea, painful menstruation, fibroids, cysts, leukorrhea, and infertility. In addition, it treats intestinal issues such as constipation, diarrhea, dysentery, distension, abdominal pain or distension, bloating, indigestion, acute and chronic gastritis, and acute and chronic enteritis.
Zigong (EX-CA1) is one of the extraordinary points and treats gynecological diseases. Zigong’s primary functions are lifting and regulating qi in the lower burner to regulate menstruation and reduce related pain. It primarily treats prolapse of the uterus, menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea, lower abdominal pain, lumbar pain, hernia, nephritis, cystitis, and orchitis.
Sanyinjiao (SP6) is the meeting point of the three yin meridians of the foot, which strengthens the spleen, soothes the liver, and benefits the kidneys. It’s important in treating gynecological conditions such as menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea, metrorrhagia, leukorrhea, amenorrhea, prolapse of the uterus, dystocia, postpartum faintness, persistent lochia, and infertility.
Xuehai (SP10) means the “Sea of Blood.” As the name implies, SP 10 is the primary point for treating disorders relating to the blood (Blood Stasis, Heat in the Blood). It invigorates, moves, and cools the blood to treat menstrual irregularities, metrorrhagia, urticaria, eczema, and erysipelas.
Additional Acupuncture Points
The following acupoints were also utilized in this irregular menstruation Long Covid study:
Guanyuan (REN4) is the front-mu point of the small intestine, the Ren vessel’s intersection, and the foot’s three yin meridians (spleen, liver, and kidney). Guanyuan tonifies kidney qi, nourishes blood and yin, strengthens the uterus, and regulates menstruation. In addition, it treats gynecological diseases such as menstrual irregularities, leukorrhea, dysmenorrhea, prolapse of the uterus, infertility, and postpartum hemorrhage.
Zusanli (ST36) is the most essential point on the stomach meridian, which regulates the spleen, stomach, qi, and blood. It has the particular function of invigorating the spleen and qi, which strengthens the body’s immune system.
Hegu (LI4) is the yuan-source point of the large intestine meridian, which dispels wind, clears heat, opens the orifices, dredges the meridians, activates the collaterals, and sedates and relieves pain.
Taichong (LIV3) is the yuan-source point of the liver meridian, which calms and soothes the liver and regulates qi. Hegu (LI4) and Taichong work together as “The Four Gates,” promoting qi circulation.
Neiguan (PC6) is crucial for moving qi and blood in the chest. It nourishes the heart qi, nourishes the blood, calms the mind, and stops dizziness.
Gongsun (SP4) is the Luo-connecting point of the spleen meridian and the master point of the Chong vessel. SP4 pairs with Neiguan (PC6) to treat menstrual irregularities. Gongsun (SP4) also treats epigastric pain, chest congestion, distention in the hypochondrium, acute gastric pain, gastric distention, poor appetite, pain around the umbilical region, and diarrhea.
Final Acupuncture Points
Taixi (KID3) is the yuan-source point of the kidney meridian. Therefore, KID 3 is vital to use for kidney deficiency patterns. Clinically, yuan-source points are of great significance in treating diseases of the internal organs, the indications of which are various: menstrual irregularities, impotence, spermatorrhea, frequent need to urinate, deafness, tinnitus, lumbar pain, headache, dizziness, blurring of vision, toothache, swelling of the pharynx, cough, asthma, diabetes, and insomnia.
Qihai (REN-6) is one of the essential points for tonifying yang and primordial qi. Diji (SP8) is the xi-cleft point of the spleen meridian. It removes blood stagnation, regulates menstrual irregularities, and stops bleeding.
Qimen (LIV14) is the front-mu point of the Liver Meridian, the intersection of the liver and spleen meridians and the yin wei vessel. The clinical applications are depression, distension and pain in the chest, hypochondrium, abdominal distension, hiccups, and acid regurgitation.
Acupuncture Is Effective
Acupuncture is effective because it improves hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis function, which is the dominant system controlling ovulation. In addition, electro-acupuncture has both anti-inflammatory and cardio-protective effects. Electro-acupuncture also has a significant therapeutic effect in improving the menstrual cycle. This irregular menstruation Long Covid study showed that electro-acupuncture restored the menstrual cycle of patients and adjusted and improved hormone levels.
Furthermore, the continuous wave of an electro-acupuncture device enhances the effects of regulating qi and blood. It dilates the blood vessels in the body, which increases blood circulation, improves a hypoxic-ischemic state, and regulates blood flow, all of which result in regulating the menstrual cycle.
Conclusion
Investigators in this irregular menstruation Long Covid study concluded that electro-acupuncture was an effective treatment for menstrual irregularities after a COVID-19 infection. It restored the menstrual duration, volume, and length of the cycle. It also demonstrated that electroacupuncture was an effective method of naturally improving a patient’s health outcomes.
Next Steps
At Raleigh Acupuncture we have helped many women normalize their menstrual cycle following distruption from Covid-19 infections and subsequent Long Covid.
BOOK NOW to schedule an appointment online.
Watch Video About Our Irregular Periods Treatment.
Learn about all the conditions we treat.
Reference
Xiangping Peng, Guanhu Yang (2022) Effectiveness of electro-acupuncture for the treatment of long covid menstrual irregularities. Medical & Clinical Research 7(9):01-05.
Focus keyphrase: irregular menstruation long covid
Photo by Roberto Nickson: https://www.pexels.com/photo/back-view-photo-of-six-girls-wearing-swimsuit-sitting-on-white-sand-2647973/
What our Clients are Saying
I love Raleigh Acupuncture! I went for infertility. I was a mess. My period came every two weeks and was really uncomfortable. I was anemic and the iron supplements were giving me terrible constipation. I also had PCOS. I didn’t even know if I was ovulating. The treatments totally fixed my cycle. After four months I was getting my period every four weeks and my anemia was gone. They taught me how to know when I was ovulating and the “best time” to get pregnant. It worked. I’m three months pregnant right now and very happy. They totally changed my life. Thank you Raleigh Acupuncture!!
Was having alot of trouble getting pregnant. My internet research showed that having an irregular period could be at least partially responsible for my troubles. Found Raleigh Acupuncture through a friend and got treated. After that my period started coming every 30 days — and five months later I got pregnant! I’m convinced acupuncture made the difference. I’m telling everyone who’s having trouble getting pregnant to try acupuncture. What a gift.
I’ve always been irregular with my cycle and it didn’t bother me much. But I got married last year and was starting to think about having a family. I knew that it would be more difficult to get pregnant with my cycle coming at all different times. So I went to Raleigh Acupuncture. They told me it usually took three months to regulate a cycle, and that’s exactly how long it took me. I’m like clockwork now and grateful for it. At the same time my periods are less uncomfortable. I feel relieved that when we start trying to get pregnant I’ll be in a much better place.
I’ve been going to Raleigh Acupuncture for 4+ years. I first went to them because I was having problems with my monthly period lasting two weeks or more, hot flashes that were extreme, and all over pain from fibromyalgia, which is a chronic pain condition. I was in a state of depression and despair, unable to work, or do things I love to do, like working in my yard. On a good day, I could perform simple household chores, perhaps a little yoga, and that was all. My first few visits brought relief from hot flashes, terrible neck pain, and wrap-around pain in my ribs that restricted my ability to breathe comfortably. I felt this was a miracle as I had suffered for many years, and had no idea it was so easily remedied. This miraculous ride continued as I took Chinese herbs for aiding my menopausal symptoms, sinus problems, anxiety, and general pain. As time went on I began to depend on Raleigh Acupuncture for psychological strengthening as well. Nowhere else have I found anyone that really listens to what I have to say without thinking I was crazy. Today, as I sit and reflect, I am about to graduate from an intense two year program for Landscape Architecture Technology. I took a huge leap when I signed up for full-time classes when I was 50 years old. I have enjoyed great success, making one B in 64 credit hours, the rest were A’s! In February of 2011, I was in a car accident where I was sandwiched between a van and a school bus. I was able to continue school and finish the semester, I believe because of my acupuncture treatments. I contribute most of my academic success, emotional well-being, and diminished pain to Raleigh Acupuncture.