Menopause brings to a close the reproductive years and can be a time of mixed emotions. For some, it’s a relief after years of uncomfortable menstrual symptoms; for others, it can be a period of grief.
Interestingly, menopause is rare in the animal kingdom, occurring only in humans, some whales, and wild chimpanzees. Scientists speculate on why menopause exists, with the ‘grandmother hypothesis’ suggesting it helps preserve genetic lineage, allowing elders to support their descendants’ survival and reproduction. I like to think this concept extends to all of society, where the wisdom and experience of those who are childfree also contribute to future generations, beyond family ties.
Technically, you enter menopause on the day when twelve months have passed since your last menstrual period. Before this, perimenopause (“around menopause”) can start in your late 30s to early 40s, when symptoms begin to appear alongside regular cycles.
Perimenopause can be unpredictable, but it’s also a time of golden opportunity. A time with the potential to help you transform the rest of your life for the better.
What are some of the signs that indicate perimenopause?
We’re loving that there is more awareness building around perimenopause at the moment, and we think you’ll be surprised by some of the symptoms on this list:
- Irregular periods – long cycles, short cycles, heavy bleeds, light bleeds and anything in between.
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Disturbed sleep and tiredness
- Headaches, migraines
- Sore muscles and joints, frozen shoulder and plantar fasciitis
- Restless legs
- Sore breasts
- Changes to libido – low or high
- Pain during penetrative sex
- Weight gain
- Changes to bowel patterns, constipation or diarrhoea
- Mood swings
- Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, lapses in memory
- Fatigue
- Anxiety, depression, irritability, panic
- Dizziness, vertigo, internal tremors or shaking
- Restless legs
- Dry, well… dry anything – vagina, mouth, eyes, skin
- Hair loss
- Heart palpitations
- Compromised immune system
- Changes in taste or smell
A Traditional Perspective on Perimenopause
In Chinese medicine, menopause is called the ‘Second Spring’, symbolising a shift from fertility to an inward focus and self-renewal. The body’s energy redirects from creating life to nourishing itself. An ancient text, the Nei Jing describes life’s phases in seven-year cycles, noting significant shifts at each stage:
- At 14 years old, menarche, or ‘heavenly gui,’ begins.
- At 35 years old, ‘yang ming’ weakens, marking a decline in gut function and Qi & blood production.
- By 49 years old, the ‘heavenly gui’ is exhausted, marking menopause.
This cyclical view respects natural transitions without pathologising them.
Reframing Perimenopause with Acupuncture
Perimenopause can be seen as a positive transition—a golden opportunity. Your journey through perimenopause is unique, and acupuncture and Chinese medicine offer personalised support to ease unsettling symptoms.
Symptoms are like messages from your body, indicating that something needs to change. Once we make these changes, the symptoms quieten down.
How Acupuncture Can Help
Acupuncture has shown promise in reducing symptoms of perimenopause, including hot flushes, insomnia, palpitations, night sweats, depression, anxiety, urogenital issues, osteoporosis, and cognitive decline (1). Let’s explore some of the evidence around these key areas:
- Hot Flushes & Night Sweats: A 2009 review (2) and a 2015 meta-analysis (3) found that acupuncture can reduce hot flushes by 50% for up to six months.
- Mood & Mental Health: Hormonal health is mental health. Fluctuating hormones often drive mood swings, anxiety, and depression. A 2013 review (4) highlighted acupuncture’s promise in treating menopause-related depression, while a 2007 review (5) noted its positive effects on anxiety.
- Sleep: A 2015 review (6) showed that 75% of post-menopausal people experienced better sleep with acupuncture treatment.
- Cognitive Health: Menopause impacts the HPO/A (hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian/adrenal) axis, increasing Alzheimer’s risk. A 2019 review (7) found acupuncture beneficial in mitigating cognitive decline.
Additional Support with Acupuncture
While more research is needed, Chinese medicine might also help with libido changes and urogenital symptoms like UTIs, prolapse, vulvodynia, and urinary frequency.
What to Expect from Your Acupuncture Sessions
Your first appointment encompasses a full health history, we will review any recent blood tests if you have them, and suggest further testing, or referrals to other specialists if needed. You will receive a clear treatment plan, outlining how long and how regularly we expect we’ll need to see you, as well as what to look out for to tell us that things are improving along the way. Then the best bit, a nice rest with the pins in.
We work alongside your healthcare team – GP, gynaecologist, pelvic physio, or hormone specialist. We respect your choices regarding menopausal hormonal therapy (MHT, previously called HRT) and support informed decisions.
We will suggest lifestyle changes to support your unique experience: nourishing foods, appropriate exercise, stress management, reducing (or eliminating) alcohol and smoking, setting boundaries, and prioritising sleep.
If you’re looking for support through your perimenopause transition – we’re here for you.
References
1. https://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/acupuncture-menopause/
2. Alfhaily F, Ewies AAA. Acupuncture in managing menopausal symptoms: hope or mirage?. Climacteric. 2007; 10(5): p. 371-380.
3. Chiu HY, Pan CH, Shyu YK, Han BC, Tsai PS. Effects of acupuncture on menopause-related symptoms and quality of life in women in natural menopause: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Menopause. 2015 Feb; 22(2): p. 234-244.
4. Sniezek DP, Siddiqui IJ. Acupuncture for Treating Anxiety and Depression in Women: A Clinical Systematic Review. Medical Acupuncture. 2013; 25(3): p.164-172.
5. Pilkington K, Kirkwood G, Rampes H, Cummings M, Richardson J. Acupuncture for anxiety and anxiety disorders – a systematic literature review. Acupuncture in Medicine. 2007; 25(1-2): p.1-10.
6. Bezerra AG, Pires GN, Andersen ML, Tufik S, Hachul H. Acupuncture to Treat Sleep Disorders in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2015; 2015:563236.
7. Huang, Q., Luo, D., Chen, L. et al. Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Alzheimer’s Disease: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Current Medical Science. 2019; 39: p.500–511.