All of the 34 menopause symptoms have one common underlying cause: hormonal imbalance. This is the first and primary cause of virtually all menopause symptoms. These primary hormonal changes in the body also produce a cascade of secondary reactions. For example, changes in estrogen levels affect the central nervous system, which can directly trigger menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, irregular heartbeat, and migraines.

Symptoms of Menopause in TCM:
1. Pattern of Kidney Deficiency
The most common indications of menopause, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and night sweats, are all attributed to Kidney Yin Deficiency in Chinese medicine. Symptoms of Kidney Yin Deficiency include: hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, increased anxiety and panic stress, urinary incontinence, thinning hair.

2. Pattern of Liver Imbalances
In Chinese medicine, the Liver and Kidney energetic organ systems and their inter-related balance influence hormonal balance greatly. Symptoms of Liver Imbalances include: trouble sleeping, emotional changes, mood swings, dizziness, breast pain, headaches, aching joints, depression, irritability, itchy crawly skin, brittle cracking fingernails, irregular Periods, vision changes, prolonged bleeding.

3. Pattern of Heart Imbalances
The Heart energetic system is at the center of emotions in Chinese medicine, and is grounded by abundant Blood. With Blood Deficiency there are many emotional disturbances with menopause. Abundant Blood is vital for emotional and physical health, but it is also critical that the Blood is well circulated and does not stagnate. This is especially important with the onset of menopause as heart disease becomes more prevelant. Symptoms of heart Imbalances include: trouble sleeping, emotional changes, bouts of rapid heart beat, feelings of dread, burning mouth syndrome.