Menopause Symptoms - Liver Depression Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Menopause Symptoms · Liver Depression Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Whole Body

Pattern Overview

Liver Depression is a common pattern in menopause symptoms, characterized by emotional stress-induced sympathetic-adrenal excitation, irritability, depression, stress-related symptoms, and premenstrual tension. The core pathogenesis is emotional stress causing Liver-Qi stagnation, leading to sympathetic excitation, mood disturbance, and autonomic dysfunction.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Irritability, depression, chest tightness, frequent sighing |

| Associated Symptoms | Stress-related symptom exacerbation, insomnia, poor appetite, bloating |

| Tongue and Pulse | Pale red tongue with thin white coating, wiry pulse |

| Pathogenesis | Liver-Qi stagnation due to emotional stress |

| Etiology | Chronic stress, emotional distress, menopause-related hormone changes |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| Ganshu (BL18) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T9 | Back-Shu point of Liver meridian; soothes Liver-Qi |

| Taichong (LR3) | Dorsum of the foot, between the 1st and 2nd metatarsals | Source point of Liver meridian; soothes Liver-Qi |

| Qimen (LR14) | On the chest, 4 cun lateral to the midline, below the nipple | Front-Mu point of Liver meridian; regulates Liver-Qi |

| Neiguan (PC6) | 2 cun above the wrist crease, between the tendons | Relieves chest tightness and calms the spirit |

| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus | Regulates Qi and Blood; harmonizes Liver and Spleen |

Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; combine with stress reduction techniques and counseling.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Xiao Yao San (逍遥散)

Composition:

Bupleurum (Chai Hu), White Peony (Bai Shao), Angelica (Dang Gui), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Poria (Fu Ling), Licorice (Gan Cao), Mint (Bo He)

Action: Soothes Liver-Qi, nourishes Blood, strengthens Spleen, and relieves depression.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Severe depression | Add Yu Jin, He Huan Pi to relieve depression |

| Insomnia | Add Suan Zao Ren, Yuan Zhi to calm the spirit |

| Chest tightness | Add Zhi Ke, Xiang Fu to regulate Qi |

| Hot flashes | Add Zhi Zi, Dan Pi to clear Liver Heat |

Western Mechanism Reference

Emotional stress-induced sympathetic-adrenal medullary system excitation, elevated urinary catecholamines, and abnormal cortisol rhythm. Liver Depression corresponds to menopause with prominent emotional symptoms, where stress-induced sympathetic excitation and cortisol rhythm abnormalities contribute to mood disturbance and autonomic dysfunction.

References

  1. Gynecology of TCM - Menopausal Syndrome with Liver Depression.

  2. Xiong Jibai: Liver-Qi Stagnation uses Chai Hu Shu Gan San.

  3. WHO. (2023). Women’s health. World Health Organization.

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