In ancient China, there is a saying that "nine out of ten women have cold," where "cold" refers to a "cold uterus." In traditional Chinese medicine, a "cold uterus" does not only mean a weak uterus but also includes underperforming ovaries, fallopian tubes, or poor blood circulation in the pelvic cavity.

Habits such as frequently drinking cold beverages, eating raw and cold foods, and consuming ice products can easily lead to a cold uterus. Generally, a cold uterus can be divided into "excess cold" and "deficiency cold." Women with excess cold are usually strong and only experience temporary coldness in the uterus when consuming large amounts of cold drinks or raw foods, leading to symptoms like increased vaginal discharge or abdominal discomfort. In such cases, avoiding cold foods and exercising more can often resolve the issue.

However, most women with long-term menstrual pain belong to the "deficiency cold" type, often due to weak kidney yang energy, which cannot warm the internal organs, forming a yang deficiency constitution within the deficiency cold. This can lead to irregular menstruation, menstrual pain, increased vaginal discharge, or cold hands and feet.

Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners also warn that women with excess cold who do not change their lifestyle habits, such as continuing to consume cold drinks and foods, or sitting for long periods without exercise, may eventually develop deficiency cold.

Symptoms of a Cold Uterus:

1. Irregular Menstruation and Menstrual Pain: Women with a cold uterus often have less menstrual flow, darker color, and blood clots. According to traditional Chinese medicine, "cold contracts," causing blood stasis and leading to menstrual pain.
2. Cold Hands and Feet, Cold Abdomen: Many women with a cold uterus also experience a cold abdomen or cold hands and feet, especially during menstruation, along with symptoms like lower back pain, leg weakness, and mild diarrhea.
3. Increased Vaginal Discharge, Watery Consistency: A cold uterus due to kidney yang deficiency can lead to increased, watery vaginal discharge.
4. Protruding Lower Abdomen: When the uterus is too cold and lacks heat, the body stores fat in the lower abdomen to keep the uterus warm, causing a protruding lower abdomen.
5. Edema: Women with a cold uterus may experience edema and heavy lower limbs due to poor water metabolism caused by kidney qi deficiency.
6. Frequent Urination, Nocturia: According to traditional Chinese medicine, the kidneys govern the reproductive and urinary systems. When the uterus is cold and kidney yang is insufficient, it can lead to frequent urination during the day and nocturia at night.

Women should regularly check for these symptoms and take good care of their uterus, including regular gynecological check-ups and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.