Menstrual health 3

Question 1

What is Basal body temperature (BBT)?

Answer 1

• BBT is a non-invasive ovulation predictor which may be useful for both contraception and people trying to conceive.

Question 2

What are the thermal shifts in BBT?

Answer 2

• There should be a distinct thermal shift from 0.4 – o.6 degrees Celsius from pre-ovulation (follicular phase_ to post ovulation (luteal phase).
• Pre-ovulation: 35.6 – 36.6 degrees Celsius
• Post-ovulation (luteal phase) average range 36.1 – 37.2

Question 3

What is a biphasic pattern?

Answer 3

Distinct thermal shift post ovulation (0.5 degrees Celsius) which demonstrates a clear hormonal change from oestrogen to progesterone.

Question 4

What is monophasic?

Answer 4

• Monophasic: no thermal shift post ovulation.
• Demonstrates a lack of hormonal change with a predominance of estrogen and low progesterone levels.
• No distinct change from yin to yang
• Indicates anovulation: no ovulation resulting from a possible yang xu.

Question 5

What does low body temperature indicate?

Answer 5

• Low temperature: basal body temo that is too low < 35.6 may indicate yang xu or hypothyroidism

Question 6

What does high BBT indicate?

Answer 6

• High temperature: BBT that is too high > 37.2 degrees indicates internal heat (excess yang or yin xu), hyperthyroidism, endometriosis or possible pregnancy.

Question 7

How can BBT be analysed?

Answer 7

Basal body temperature data can be analysed to understand:
1. Length of the entire menstrual cycle
2. Length of each menstrual cycle
3. Temperature range
4. Predominance of yin or yang

Question 8

What are the hormone testing windows?

Answer 8

FSH, LH, E2, PRL day 2-3
P4 day 21
AMH anytime throughout the cycle

Question 9

What are the normal levels of hormones?

Answer 9

FSH 3-9 IU/ml
LH 2-10 IU/ml
TSH 0.2-4.7 IU/ml
E2 27-161 pg/ml
P4 6-30 ng/ml
PRL 2-25 ng/ml
AMH 1-3 ng/ml

Question 10

What acupuncture points can be used for Qi Xu? What herbal formula?

Answer 10

ST36, SP6, CV12, CV4, CV6

Gui Pi Tang

Question 11

What acupuncture points and herbal formula can be used for Qi stagnation?

Answer 11

SP4 + PC6, LIV3, LIV14, GB34, BL18, CV6

Yue Ju Wan

Question 12

What points and herbal formula can be used for Qi sinking?

Answer 12

LU7 + JI6, SP3. CV4, GV20

Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang

Question 13

What acupuncture points and herbal formula can be used for rebellious Qi?

Answer 13

ST19, KID21, CV14, CV13 + ST36

Li Zhong Wan

Question 14

What are the s+s of Qi xu in menstrual conditions?

Answer 14

Long or early menstruation (pale blood), tiredness, anxiety, loose stools, pale complexion, weak voice, poor appetite, abdominal distension (better for pressure).

T: pale (thin)
P: deep/weak

Question 15

What is the treatment principle of Qi Xu? in menstrual conditions?

Answer 15

Strengthen the spleen and stomach, raise qi, consolidate PV and CV.

Question 16

What are the S+S of Qi stagnation? In menstrual conditions?

Answer 16

Amenorrhoea, irregular or delayed menstrual cycle, PMS (anger, frustration, resentment, breast tenderness, lower abdominal pain), sighing.

T: normal or slightly red on sides
P: wiry

Question 17

What is the TP for Qi stagnation in menstrual conditions?

Answer 17

Eliminate stagnation, pacify Liver (stop pain if necessary)

Question 18

What are the S+S in Qi Sinking? Menstrual conditions?

Answer 18

Uterine prolapse, sensation of heaviness in the abdomen, menses “flooding and trickling”, loose stools, frequent urination, tiredness

T: pale
P: deep-weak

Question 19

What is the TP of Qi sinking in menstrual conditions?

Answer 19

Strengthen Spleen and raise Qi

Question 20

What Tui Na treatment is applied to Qi sinking conditions in menstrual health disorders?

Answer 20

Abdomen routine (kneading CV12 x 30, CV8 x 30, CV6 x 30

Question 21

What are the S+S of rebellious Qi in menstrual conditions?

Answer 21

Epigastric distension, hiccups, belching, borborygmus, morning sickness (nausea, vomiting of sour fluids).

T: pale or slightly red sides
P: weak or wiry

Question 22

What is the TP of rebellious Qi in menstrual disorders?

Answer 22

Subdue rebellious Qi, stop vomiting

Question 23

What Tui na can be applied to rebellious Qi?

Answer 23

Round rubbing hypochondriac area, vibrating technique (CV12, CV8, CV6)