A patient has breast distention prior to menstruation, odorless vaginal discharge, depressed essence-spirit, and normal or light red menses. What would you expect the menstruation to be?

The patient's symptoms, including breast distention prior to menstruation, odorless vaginal discharge, a depressed essence-spirit, and normal or light red menses, indicate a pattern commonly associated with a deficiency, potentially involving the Spleen and Heart. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), such a pattern may lead to an irregular menstrual cycle.

Given that the characteristics of the menstrual flow described in the patient's case do not fit neatly into a typical pattern, the most appropriate expectation for menstruation in this context is indeterminate. This suggests that the duration and flow are unpredictable, which aligns with the patient's emotional and physical signs indicating a disruption in the harmonious flow of Qi and Blood.

Shortened, dripping, and prolonged menses imply more distinct and well-defined flow patterns, which do not correlate with the symptoms of irregularity and emotional disturbance that the patient is experiencing. Each of those choices suggests a more straightforward condition that wouldn’t encompass the vagueness of flow expected in this scenario. Thus, the conclusion that menstruation would be indeterminate fits best with the overall clinical picture presented.