Menopause Symptoms - Kidney-Yang Deficiency Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for menopause symptoms
Menopause Symptoms · Kidney-Yang Deficiency Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Whole Body
Pattern Overview
Kidney-Yang Deficiency is a common pattern in menopause symptoms,
characterized by **estrogen decline, cold intolerance, fatigue, low
libido, urinary incontinence, and cold extremities**. The core
pathogenesis is Kidney-Yang deficiency failing to warm the body,
leading to reduced energy metabolism, bone loss, and cold sensitivity.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
incontinence |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
urination, pale complexion |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
coating, deep and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Kidney-Yang deficiency failing to warm the body |
|---|
| Etiology |
|---|
chronic illness |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Shenshu (BL23) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to L2 |
|---|
point of Kidney meridian; warms Kidney-Yang |
| Mingmen (GV4) |
|---|
processes | Warms Kidney-Yang and strengthens the body |
| Guanyuan (RN4) | 3 cun below the umbilicus |
|---|
supplements Yuan Qi |
| Qihai (RN6) | 1.5 cun below the umbilicus |
|---|
the lower abdomen |
| Shenque (RN8) | Center of the umbilicus |
|---|
supplements Yang |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method; heavy
moxibustion is strongly recommended to warm Kidney-Yang.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: You Gui Wan (右归丸)
Composition:
Rehmannia (Shu Di), Dioscorea (Shan Yao), Cornus (Shan Zhu Yu), Goji
Berry (Gou Qi), Eucommia (Du Zhong), Cuscuta (Tu Si Zi), Aconite (Fu
Zi), Cinnamon (Rou Gui), Deer Antler Glue (Lu Jiao Jiao)
Action: Warms Kidney-Yang, tonifies Kidney-Qi, and strengthens the
body.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe cold intolerance | Add Ba Ji Tian, Yin Yang Huo to warm Yang |
|---|
| Urinary incontinence |
|---|
Kidneys |
| Back pain | Add Du Zhong, Xu Duan to strengthen the lower back |
|---|
| Fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Estrogen decline causing abnormal bone metabolism, reduced energy
metabolism, hypothyroidism tendency, and reduced basal metabolic rate.
Kidney-Yang Deficiency corresponds to menopause with cold sensitivity
and metabolic symptoms, where reduced estrogen levels and decreased
metabolic rate contribute to cold intolerance and fatigue.
References
1. Gynecology of TCM - Menopausal Syndrome with Kidney-Yang Deficiency.
2. Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Kidney-Yang Deficiency → Ignition
Layer Warming Yang.
3. WHO. (2023). Women's health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for women's health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM gynecology.
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Last reviewed: June 2026 | Lead author: Dr. Li Wei, DACM | Content updated: Monthly
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any treatment.