Acupuncture, perimenopause and menopause
I see a lot of patients in clinic who are navigating hormone changes through perimenopause and menopause.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), perimenopause refers to the period from when changes in the menstrual cycle are first observed, usually between the ages of 45 and 55 years of age, and ends one year after the final menstrual period from which point menopause commences.
The WHO states: “Perimenopause can last several years and can affect physical, emotional, mental and social well-being. WHO considers that social, psychological and physical health support during the menopausal transition and after menopause should be an integral part of healthcare.”
You may have expected this hormone shift just to produce a few ‘hot flushes’, as is most commonly publicised, but in clinic I see many other symptoms reported:
- Weight gain or metabolism changes
- Brain fog
- Inability to multitask
- Fluctuations in mood
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Exhaustion
- Headaches or migraines
- Hair loss
- Skin irritation or dryness
- Bladder issues
- Loss of libido
- Loss of self esteem
This hormone shift will be the biggest a woman’s body navigates since puberty, so it is understandable that it can affect so many aspects of life and health.
Several randomised controlled trials have shown evidence that acupuncture is effective in:
- Perimenopausal and post menopausal insomnia
- Menopausal hot flushes
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
In clinic, women often report that they have been struggling with multiple issues throughout the hormone shift and change in menstrual cycle at perimenopause, and after periods have stopped in menopause.
If you are going through this transitional period of your life and would like to find out more about how acupuncture could assist you please contact the clinic to find out more, or book a session where I will discuss in detail the issues that are effecting you.
