Breast cancer is the most common female malignant tumor in China. Invasive breast cancer patients with positive hormone receptors are supposed to receive the adjuvant endocrine therapy after surgery. Tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors

which are commonly used in the endocrine therapy

both inhibit the growth of cancer cells by suppressing or lowering estrogen levels in the body. A passive decrease in hormone levels can lead to some adverse reactions

such as thickened endometrium

menstrual disorder

hot flashes

vaginal discomfort

fatigue

insomnia

muscle and joint pains

and so on. Such adverse reactions

which are similar to perimenopausal syndrome

are termed perimenopausal-like syndrome

and it belongs to the category of "pre- and past-menopausal syndromes" in traditional Chinese medicine. Professor Lyu Peiwen believes that the manifestations of perimenopausal-like syndrome following the breast cancer surgery are closely related to disharmony between Qi and blood

and the deficiency of the liver and kidney. The main treatment method is to harmonize the Qi and blood and tonify the liver and kidney. The formula is based on "Siteng Er Hong" and Wuzi Yanzong Pill. This paper discusses the theoretical basis of harmonizing Qi and blood

tonifying the liver and kidney from such perspectives as determination of etiologic factors based on differentiation

elucidating etiology based on Qi and blood; multiple symptoms modulated from the liver and kidney; giving consideration to emotion

harmonizing Qi and blood flow. This paper analyzes the prescription of harmonizing Qi and blood

nourishing and modulating the liver and kidney from several aspects: searching for the primary cause of disease in treatment

harmonizing Qi and blood

nourishing and modulating the liver and kidney

modulating essence and blood together

regulating emotions

and soothing the liver and Qi.