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Acupuncture Treatment for Menopause and perimenopause
Menopause and perimenopause are transitional periods marking the cessation of ovulation in a woman's body. It most commonly occurs between the ages of 45 and 56 and can last a few months to several years.
Symptoms vary from mild to severe and are brought on as the body tries to adapt to decreasing amounts of estrogen. During this time, a variety of symptoms can be experienced, the most common of these being hot flushes, fatigue, night sweats, aches and pains, palpitations, insomnia, as well as anxiety and depression.
HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) is most commonly prescribed by GPs to counteract these symptoms. While some women find HRT effective, many women are not satisfied with the risks and side effects associated with it and seek accompanying or alternative and more natural solutions to the changes and symptoms they are experiencing.
Acupuncture combined with acupressure massage, dietary therapy, Chinese Herbs and Moxibustion are traditional Chinese medicine treatments that are commonly used to treat symptoms experienced by the menopause. Many of these treatments have evolved over thousands of years. It is common in parts of Asia for many women to experience little to no symptoms when they are transitioning from menstruation to peri-menopause to menopause.
Chinese medicine treatments are gentle and natural, and aim to work with your body to help support balance. The aim of TCM treatments is to help support balance in the body's energy levels, help re-balance hormones and enable the body to readjust to the changes it is undergoing. (In TCM these are yin and yang energies and their associated relationship to the balance and health of the body). Supporting hormone balance may help reduce hot flushes, insomnia and irritability and support better sleep.
One of the strengths of acupuncture is in the tailoring of treatment to each individual. Traditional Chinese Medicine does not recognise menopause as one particular syndrome. It aims to treat the specific symptoms that are unique to each individual.
Frequently Asked Questions - Acupuncture for Menopause:
Can acupuncture help with hot flushes and night sweats?
Yes, this is one of the more common reasons people come to us during perimenopause and menopause. Acupuncture aims to support hormonal balance and ease vasomotor symptoms like flushes, though results vary between individuals.
What other menopause symptoms can Chinese medicine help with?
Beyond hot flushes, clients often come to us for mood changes, sleep disruption, fatigue, and joint discomfort during this transition. We take a holistic view of your symptoms rather than treating one in isolation.
Is acupuncture a substitute for HRT?
No, it's a complementary option rather than a replacement. Some clients use acupuncture instead of HRT by personal choice, others alongside it — we're happy to support either approach and encourage you to discuss HRT decisions with your GP.
How long does menopause treatment typically take to show results?
Many clients notice some easing of symptoms within 4–6 sessions, though menopause is a longer transition and ongoing or periodic treatment is often more helpful than a single short course.
Can Chinese herbal medicine help with menopause symptoms?
Yes, herbal formulas are often used alongside acupuncture to support symptoms like hot flushes, sleep, and mood during menopause, particularly for more persistent or complex presentations. We'll discuss whether herbal support is appropriate for you as part of your consultation.
Herbal Remedies are commonly used in China to help support the transition from menstruation to peri-menopause and menopause. They may help reduce symptoms you may be experiencing, though individual results vary. These herbal products are available to buy online but we would advise you to avail of a free consultation, by phone or video chat to ensure you receive the right remedies for you. Please call us or book an online video chat with us. This service is free of charge.