A Case of Chi-no-michi-sho that was Successfully Treated with Traditional Japanese Herbal Medicine for Seven Years / 日本東洋医学雑誌

ABSTRACT

Chi-no-michi-sho involves neuropsychiatric and physical symptoms that appear with hormonal changes, such as those during pregnancy and menopause. Until now, there were many case reports, which were within 2 years from the start of treatment. We present a case of chi-no-michi-sho that was successfully treated with Kampo formulations for 7 years. A 43-­year-­old woman had complaints of candida eczema in the vulva, palpi­tations, and headache. Tokishakuyakusan and shakanzoto were then administered for kekkyo (blood defi­ciency), oketsu (blood stasis), and suidoku (fluid retention), and a topical antifungal agent was administered for candida eczema. The headache and palpitations were reduced. Subsequently, tokishigyakukagoshuyuto and keishibukuryogan were administered because of skin rash and deterioration of sensitivity to cold. However, various symptoms, such as weight loss amenorrhea due to self-­determination, eczema, feeling heavy in the head, and edema, remained. We prescribed tokishakuyakusan again in addition to Western medical treatment. Her menstruation then resumed ; her eczema, palpitations, and headache also improved. However, she developed hyperthyroidism. While paying attention to organic diseases such as thyroid dysfunction, prescription of tokishakuyakusan may be effective when chi-no-michi-sho is long­-lasting and there are blood deficiency and stasis with fluid retention.