Menopause Symptoms - Liver Depression Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for menopause symptoms
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 |
|---|
frequent sighing |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
insomnia, poor appetite, bloating |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Liver-Qi stagnation due to emotional stress |
|---|
| Etiology |
|---|
hormone changes |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Ganshu (BL18) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T9 |
|---|
of Liver meridian; soothes Liver-Qi |
| Taichong (LR3) |
|---|
metatarsals | Source point of Liver meridian; soothes Liver-Qi |
| Qimen (LR14) |
|---|
the nipple | Front-Mu point of Liver meridian; regulates Liver-Qi |
| Neiguan (PC6) |
|---|
| Relieves chest tightness and calms the spirit |
| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus |
|---|
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.
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.
Related TCM Patterns for Menopause Symptoms
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.