Menopause is a natural phase in a woman's life that brings about various physiological changes, often accompanied by symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a common treatment, many women are now seeking therapies like acupuncture to manage their symptoms.
Extensive research has been carried out highlighting the benefits of acupuncture, I have outlined some of the key symptoms and findings below:
Reduction in Hot Flushes and Night Sweats A 2015 meta-analysis by Chiu et al.6 supports these results. It reviewed 12 studies with a total 869 participants, finding that acupuncture significantly reduced hot flash frequency and severity.
Improved Sleep Quality Sleep disturbances are common during menopause. Acupuncture has been shown to enhance relaxation and reduce insomnia by influencing neurotransmitters like serotonin and melatonin, which play key roles in sleep regulation. A 2015 review by Berezza et al.9 included 12 studies on acupuncture for sleep disorders in post- menopausal women. Overall, 75% reported improvements in sleep complaints following acupuncture treatment.
Anxiety & Depression - Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and depression. A 2007 review by Pilkington et al.8 focused on acupuncture for anxiety. It included 12 controlled trials, 10 of which reported positive outcomes.
Osteoporosis - Many menopausal women experience joint pain and stiffness. Acupuncture has been reported to reduce inflammation and improve circulation, which can help alleviate discomfort and enhance mobility. A 2020 review by Xu et al.11 supported these results. They found high-quality evidence that acupuncture and moxibustion can improve BMD in primary osteoporosis.
Real Life experience
The BBC published an interesting article 'Can acupuncture help menopause symptoms' in 2019.
"After a few sessions, the night sweats weren't as bad, and my sleep improved. It really helped with the bloating, that was so uncomfortable before. It also helped the anxiety. After the treatment I felt way more relaxed, and that I could manage things more." Vanessa Southgate.
Acupuncture is becoming an increasingly popular therapy for menopausal symptoms, by integrating acupuncture with other lifestyle changes, we can help navigate menopause with greater ease and comfort. Enquire today to start your journey with acupuncture.
References:
1 - 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.
2 - 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.
3 - 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.
4 - Xu G, Xiao Q, Zhou J, et al. Acupuncture and moxibustion for primary osteoporosis: An overview of systematic review. Medicine (Baltimore). 2020; 99(9): e19334.
5 - BBC News. Can acupuncture help menopause symptoms? March 2019. www.bbc.co.uk/news/health/47279032