Menatrol™

TCM herbal formula for amenorrhea, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), infertility, and irregular, delayed, or scanty menstruation with cold and blood stasis — warms ming men (life gate) fire; tonifies Kidney yang; nourishes the womb and the chong (thoroughfare) and ren (conception) channels; invigorates blood circulation in the lower jiao and womb; tonifies Liver blood; tonifies yuan (source) qi; antiplatelet; anticoagulant; thrombolytic; analgesic; regulates hormones via hypothalamus and pituitary. Indicated when accompanied by dark purple or pale purplish tongue and cold signs and symptoms.

⚠️ Contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing — stop herbs immediately upon confirmed pregnancy. Contraindicated in cases of heat, deficiency heat, infection, or inflammation. Contains Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) and other blood-invigorating herbs — patients on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapies such as Coumadin (warfarin) should use with caution or not at all. Contains Fu Zi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Praeparata) — patients with a pacemaker or taking antiarrhythmic drugs or cardiac glycosides such as Lanoxin (digoxin) should NOT take this formula (Fu Zi may affect cardiac rhythm and potentiate contractile strength of the heart). Minimum treatment period: 1–3 months. For infertility: monitor basal body temperature to track ovulation — if no change in temperature profile after 2 months, re-evaluate and consider modifying the formula. Patients with infertility should not go on strict diets, exercise excessively, or use a douche. Patients with a long history of back pain should have additional diagnostic workups to rule out structural damage to the vertebrae. Check for chlamydia as a cause of infertility — scarring and inflammation of the tubes may cause blockage.

TCM pathophysiology: If the Kidney is deficient, reproductive function will be impaired — resulting in amenorrhea, irregular menstruation, vaginal dryness, infertility, decreased libido, habitual miscarriage, hair loss, and fatigue. The Kidney controls the "sea of marrow" (the brain), where the hypothalamus and pituitary gland are located — Kidney deficiency correlates with the inability of the hypothalamus to signal the pituitary to release hormones that cause the ovaries to release eggs, disturbing the normal menstrual cycle. The chong (thoroughfare) channel is "the sea of all twelve channels" and "the sea of blood"; the ren (conception) channel is "the sea of all yin channels" — both must be nourished to regulate menstruation and treat infertility.

CLINICAL APPLICATIONS

* Amenorrhea

* Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

* Infertility

* Irregular, delayed, or scanty menstruation

* Period with dark blood or clots

* Weakness and soreness of the low back and knees; coldness of the extremities

* All conditions above should be accompanied by dark purple or pale purplish tongue and cold signs and symptoms

Background: Amenorrhea, PCOS, infertility, and irregular or scanty menstruation are common menstrual abnormalities. Though disease names and exact etiologies differ in Western medicine, these disorders share in common hormonal imbalances and menstrual dysfunction. In TCM, such conditions are often diagnosed as "Kidney yang deficiency and blood stagnation." Etiologies of amenorrhea include anatomical obstruction (stagnant accumulation of menstrual blood) and physiological abnormality (hormonal imbalance) — optimal treatment must address both. Herbs that activate blood circulation and eliminate blood stasis proved effective in inhibiting clot formation in 73.4% of test cases in one study.

Key herb-level clinical data:

— Fu Zi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Praeparata / Prepared Aconite Root): restores depleted Kidney yang; augments ming men (life gate) fire; warms and opens channels to treat obstruction due to coldness; analgesic; contraindicated with pacemakers, antiarrhythmics, and digoxin

— Rou Gui (Cortex Cinnamomi / Cinnamon Bark): restores depleted Kidney yang; augments ming men fire; warms and opens channels to treat obstruction due to coldness

— Gan Jiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis / Dried Ginger): enhances the warming action of Fu Zi; decreases the toxicity of Fu Zi

— Xiao Hui Xiang (Fructus Foeniculi / Fennel Fruit): warms the Liver channel where it circulates around the genital organs

— Wu Zhu Yu (Fructus Evodiae / Evodia Fruit): warms the Liver channel where it circulates around the genital organs

— Yan Hu Suo (Rhizoma Corydalis / Corydalis Rhizome): especially effective against visceral pain — analgesic effect compared to morphine; far fewer side effects, slower development of tolerance, no evidence of creating dependence; synergistic effects in combination with electro-acupuncture

— Chi Shao (Radix Paeoniae Rubrae / Red Peony Root): antiplatelet; anticoagulant; thrombolytic — eliminates accumulated blood and clots; invigorates blood circulation; dispels blood stasis; relieves pain

— Tao Ren (Semen Persicae / Peach Seed): antiplatelet; anticoagulant; thrombolytic — eliminates accumulated blood and clots; invigorates blood circulation; dispels blood stasis

— Hong Hua (Flos Carthami / Safflower / Carthamus): antiplatelet; anticoagulant; thrombolytic — eliminates accumulated blood and clots; invigorates blood circulation; dispels blood stasis

— Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong / Ligusticum / Szechuan Lovage Root): one of the most effective herbs to improve circulation of blood to the body's periphery; invigorates blood circulation; dispels blood stasis

— Gui Zhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi / Cinnamon Twig): invigorates blood circulation; dispels blood stasis; warms channels — follows principles of Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan (Cinnamon Twig and Poria Pill)

— Mu Dan Pi (Cortex Moutan / Moutan Bark): invigorates blood circulation; dispels blood stasis

— Pu Huang (Pollen Typhae / Cattail Pollen / Bulrush Pollen): invigorates blood circulation; dispels blood stasis; gynecological disorders

— Mo Yao (Myrrha / Myrrh): invigorates blood circulation; dispels blood stasis; relieves pain

— Chuan Niu Xi (Radix Cyathulae / Cyathula Root): analgesic; invigorates blood circulation; dispels blood stasis in the lower jiao; channel-guiding herb to the lower extremities

— Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae / Rehmannia): marked regulatory influence on the endocrine system — specific to the adrenal glands; regulates and balances the endocrine system by directly affecting the hypothalamus and pituitary glands; tonifies Liver blood; replenishes Kidney jing

— Ren Shen (Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng / Ginseng): marked regulatory influence on the entire endocrine system — directly affects the hypothalamus and pituitary glands; tonifies yuan (source) qi

— Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae / Licorice Root): marked regulatory influence on the endocrine system — specific to the adrenal glands; analgesic; harmonizes the formula

— Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis / Angelica Sinensis / Dong Quai): tonifies blood; nourishes the chong and ren channels; analgesic; chief ingredient of Si Wu Tang (Four-Substance Decoction); caution with anticoagulants

— Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba / White Peony Root): tonifies blood; nourishes the chong and ren channels; analgesic; chief ingredient of Si Wu Tang

— Shu Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae Praeparata / Prepared Rehmannia): tonifies blood; nourishes the chong and ren channels; chief ingredient of Si Wu Tang

— Shan Zhu Yu (Fructus Corni / Cornelian Cherry / Cornus): tonifies Liver blood; replenishes Kidney jing; nourishes the chong and ren channels

— Shan Yao (Rhizoma Dioscoreae / Chinese Yam / Dioscorea): tonifies Liver blood; replenishes Kidney jing; nourishes the chong and ren channels

— Mai Dong (Radix Ophiopogonis / Ophiopogon / Dwarf Lilyturf Root): nourishes yin

— Fu Ling (Poria / Poria Cocos / Hoelen): strengthens Spleen

— Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri / Bupleurum / Thorowax Root): regulates Liver qi; ensures smooth flow; enhances effectiveness of blood-invigorating herbs; prevents stagnation caused by tonic herbs

— Zhi Qiao (Fructus Aurantii / Bitter Orange Fruit): regulates Liver qi; ensures smooth flow; prevents stagnation caused by tonic herbs

— Sheng Jiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens / Fresh Ginger): harmonizes the formula

WESTERN THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Antiplatelet / anticoagulant / thrombolytic — Chi Shao, Tao Ren, Hong Hua (eliminates accumulated blood and clots; 73.4% effectiveness in inhibiting clot formation in one study)

* Improves blood circulation — Chuan Xiong (most effective herb for peripheral blood circulation); Gui Zhi, Mu Dan Pi, Pu Huang, Mo Yao, Chuan Niu Xi

* Analgesic — Yan Hu Suo (visceral pain; comparable to morphine; no dependence; synergistic with electro-acupuncture); Fu Zi; Chuan Niu Xi; Dang Gui; Bai Shao; Gan Cao

* Endocrine / hormonal regulation — Di Huang + Gan Cao (adrenal glands; hypothalamus and pituitary); Ren Shen (entire endocrine system; hypothalamus and pituitary); two-directional effect — balances and restores equilibrium

* Restores normal menstruation — by removing physical obstructions (blood stasis, clots) and regulating hormones (endocrine system)

CHINESE THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Warms ming men (life gate) fire; tonifies Kidney yang; warms and opens channels (Fu Zi, Rou Gui, Gan Jiang)

* Warms Liver channel around genital organs (Xiao Hui Xiang, Wu Zhu Yu)

* Invigorates blood circulation; dispels blood stasis; clears clots; relieves pain (Chi Shao, Gui Zhi, Mu Dan Pi, Tao Ren, Hong Hua, Chuan Niu Xi, Pu Huang, Mo Yao, Yan Hu Suo, Chuan Xiong — follows principles of Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan and Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang)

* Tonifies blood; nourishes chong and ren channels (Dang Gui, Bai Shao, Shu Di Huang — Si Wu Tang foundation)

* Tonifies Liver blood; replenishes Kidney jing; nourishes chong and ren channels (Shan Zhu Yu, Shan Yao, Di Huang)

* Tonifies yuan (source) qi (Ren Shen)

* Nourishes yin (Mai Dong)

* Regulates Liver qi; ensures smooth flow (Chai Hu, Zhi Qiao)

* Strengthens Spleen (Fu Ling)

* Harmonizes the formula (Sheng Jiang, Gan Cao)

DOSAGE

Standard: 3–4 capsules three times daily on an empty stomach with warm water. May increase to 6–8 capsules three times daily if necessary. Minimum treatment period: 1–3 months. Stop immediately upon confirmed pregnancy.

Supplementary formulas: Female infertility — add Blossom (Phase 1–4). Polycystic ovaries, endometriosis, or fibroids — add Resolve (Lower). Severe Kidney yang deficiency — add Kidney Tonic (Yang). Severe Kidney yin deficiency — add Kidney Tonic (Yin). Lower abdominal pain during period — add Mense-Ease. Menopause — add Balance (Heat). Fatigue and overall weakness — add Imperial Tonic. Amenorrhea due to stress, tension, or Liver qi stagnation — add Calm. Amenorrhea due to Liver fire — add Gentiana Complex. Hyperthyroidism — add Thyrodex. Severe blood stagnation — add Circulation (SJ).

Nutrition: Eat cooked food and drink warm or room-temperature beverages. Recommended warm foods: lamb, beef, chives, cinnamon, and pepper. Include nuts and seafood such as oyster, lobster, and shrimp — they tonify the Kidney. Alcohol in small amounts (1 oz.) daily invigorates blood and warms the body. Ensure adequate intake of vitamin B complex and vitamin E — important for production of sex hormones. Zinc deficiency may contribute to irregular menstruation. Avoid raw or cold foods: sushi, salad, cucumber, tomatoes, ice cream, and refrigerated or iced drinks. Excessive intake of fruits may cause coldness — refrain from sour fruits such as grapefruit and oranges. Tao of Nutrition (Dr. Maoshing Ni and Cathy McNease) — Irregular menstruation due to coldness: stew together lamb, baked tofu, and ginger.

Lifestyle: Avoid sports that expose the body to cold environments (skiing, cold-water sports). Avoid stressful situations — stress can lead to irregular or absent menstruation. Maintain a regular and healthy lifestyle with adequate rest and relaxation — the basic requirement for a normal menstrual cycle. Hot compresses on the abdomen increase blood circulation, relax abdominal muscles, and relieve pain.

Clinical techniques: Massage the lower abdomen to increase blood circulation and warm the womb — fold hands together (overlapping Laogong PC 8), place palm on lower abdomen (at Guanyuan CV 4), and massage in a circular motion clockwise 36 times then counterclockwise 36 times. Practice twice daily — once upon waking and once before bed. Ideally, a male practitioner (yang energy) massages the patient's abdomen (influencing yin). Patient should feel pressure but not pain or discomfort. Moxa the lower abdomen for at least 30 minutes every night to warm the uterus and dispel stasis.

CASE STUDIES

— 41-year-old female: Infertility and depression; Kidney deficiency and Liver qi deficiency; poor egg quality. Menatrol 4 caps 3x daily + acupuncture weekly. Result: cold symptoms abated; menstrual cycle became regular (32 days → 28 days); became pregnant after only 2 months of treatment.

— 15-year-old female: Irregular periods for almost 2 years — period interval 8 days every 4 months; enlarged purple tongue with slightly pale sides; thick white tongue coating; rolling pulse; damp stagnation with underlying deficiency. Menatrol for 2 months. Result: menses started; period interval changed from 8 days every 4 months to 5–7 days every 1–1.5 months.

— M.C., 33-year-old female: Irregular menstruation for 5 years (2–3 times per year, 4–5 days each); cramping pain, fatigue, lower back pain, bloating, poor circulation, dry skin and lips, brittle nails; BP 139/90 mmHg, HR 92 bpm; slightly dusky pale-to-pink tongue, moist with thin white coat; slippery pulse; amenorrhea with blood deficiency, blood stagnation, Spleen qi deficiency with phlegm and damp accumulation. Menatrol + weekly acupuncture + walking 3–4 times weekly. Result: menstruated in the second week of February after last period in early January — significant improvement as she usually menstruates once every 5–6 months.

— J.W., 44-year-old female: Infertility with history of miscarriage; high stress "bottled up" inside; cold hands and feet; back pain, low energy, severe menstrual cramps, PMS; pale purplish swollen tongue with teeth marks, red tip; wiry pulse bilaterally, slippery on right; BP 125/86 mmHg, HR 83 bpm; low FSH levels; Spleen and Kidney yang deficiencies with Liver qi and blood stagnation. Menatrol. Result after 1 month: menstrual cramping "miraculously disappeared"; estrogen levels increased dramatically. Stopped for 6 weeks for IVF (unsuccessful). Added Calm — within 1 week: stress decreased, energy increased, tongue color changed from purple to pink and slightly dusky. Actively trying to conceive naturally.

Related Reading

Also see: Blossom (Phase 1–4) – for female infertility | Resolve (Lower) – for PCOS, endometriosis, and fibroids | Mense-Ease – for lower abdominal pain during period | Kidney Tonic (Yang) – for Kidney yang deficiency | Kidney Tonic (Yin) – for Kidney yin deficiency | Balance (Heat) – for menopause | Imperial Tonic – for fatigue and weakness | Calm – for amenorrhea due to stress or Liver qi stagnation | Gentiana Complex – for amenorrhea due to Liver fire | Circulation (SJ) – for severe blood stagnation | Thyrodex – for hyperthyroidism | Women's Health & Hormonal Support Collection.