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Stress and Hormonal Imbalance II: How TCM Explains Fatugye, Cycles, and Menopause

TCM view: Stress and Hormonal Balance In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), hormones are not viewed as isolated chemicals. They are understood as expressions of Qi, blood, yin, and yang balance , reflecting how the body regulates energy, nourishment, and recovery under stress.  From a TCM perspective, chronic stress most commonly affects the Liver system , which governs the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body. When stress is prolonged, Qi becomes constrained, gradually influencing digestion, sleep, menstrual cycles, and reproductive function .  This article explores how TCM explains these stress-related hormonal patterns.  Common TCM Patterns in Stress-Related Hormonal Imbalance Stress-related hormonal imbalance in TCM is often explained through recurring pattern types , rather than isolated symptoms. The following patterns are commonly observed in clinical settings. ☝ Liver Qi Stagnation (most common pattern) Liver Qi stagnation occurs when emotional stress disrupts t...

Stress and Hormonal Imbalance I: Why Chronic Stress Disrupt Hormones

Fight or Flight Response Under Stress  Can Stress Really Cause Hormonal Imbalance? Yes —and it happens more often than people realize. Chronic stress doesn’t just affect your mood. Over time, it can disrupt cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, thyroid hormones, insulin, and even reproductive hormones. Many people experience symptoms for years before realizing stress is the root cause. Common signs of stress-driven hormonal imbalance include: ·       Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest ·       Weight gain or stubborn belly fat ·       Irregular periods or PMS ·       Anxiety, irritability, or low mood ·       Sleep problems ·       Digestive discomfort ·       Low libido or fertility challenges   ·       Persistent tension ·       Blood tests may come back ...