Acupuncture for Perimenopause & Menopause
Holistic acupuncture and Chinese medicine support in Wollongong for supporting symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause.
Acupuncture for perimenopause & menopause
Perimenopause and menopause are natural transitions in a woman's life, but that doesn't mean the symptoms are always easy to navigate. For some women, this stage brings only mild changes. For others, symptoms can significantly impact sleep, mood, energy, relationships, work, and overall quality of life. Many women are surprised by the wide range of symptoms that can occur and often don't realise that fluctuating hormones may be contributing to how they're feeling.
At our clinic, I take an integrative approach to perimenopause and menopause, combining both Western and Chinese medicine perspectives. This may include reviewing your symptoms, menstrual history, blood tests, lifestyle factors, sleep, stress levels, digestion, energy, pulse, and tongue.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine aim to support the body through this transition by helping regulate the nervous system, improve sleep, reduce hot flushes, support mood, and promote overall wellbeing. Treatment is always tailored to your individual presentation and health goals.Understanding the transition
Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause, where hormone levels begin to fluctuate and ovarian function gradually declines.
This stage can begin years before menopause, commonly during a woman's 40s, although some women notice changes earlier.
Menopause is officially diagnosed when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.Common Symptoms
irregular or heavy periodshot flushes & night sweatsanxiety, irritability & mood changesbrain fog, fatigue and poor sleepvaginal dryness and reduced libidojoint aches and painsweight changespalpitations
Chinese Medicine View
In Chinese medicine, menopause is viewed as a natural transition rather than a disease. As women age, the Kidney system, which governs growth, development, ageing, and reproduction, gradually declines. This process is considered a normal part of life.
While menopause is a natural transition, symptoms may arise when the body struggles to adapt to these hormonal and physiological changes. Depending on the individual, this may involve patterns of Kidney Yin deficiency, Kidney Yang deficiency, Liver Qi stagnation, Heart and Kidney disharmony, or deficiencies of Qi and Blood.
Treatment focuses on supporting the body's adaptation to this new stage of life, helping to restore balance and improve overall wellbeing leaving you feeling more like yourself. How acupuncture works
Endorphin release
Acupuncture stimulates the release of Beta endorphins which affect the brains thermoregulation centre in the brain helping to reduce hot flushes and night sweats.
Nervous System Regulation
Acupuncture helps regulate the nervous system to bring you back into your ‘rest and digest’ state (parasympathetic) to assist sleep, emotions and brain fog.
Neurotransmitter Release
Acupuncture stimulates the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin to support symptoms like sleep and anxiety.
Reducing Inflammation & promote blood circulation
Acupuncture has anti-inflammatory effects & improves circulation which can be useful in relieving pain.
Can I have acupuncture and Chinese medicine if I'm taking HRT?
Yes, you sure can.
Many women choose to combine HRT with acupuncture and Chinese medicine as part of a broader approach to managing symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, poor sleep, anxiety, mood changes, fatigue, and overall wellbeing during perimenopause and menopause.
Acupuncture may help support the nervous system, improve sleep quality, reduce stress, and assist the body in adapting to hormonal changes. Chinese herbal medicine may also be used in some cases, however any herbal prescriptions will be carefully considered alongside your medications and overall health history.
If you are taking HRT, please let me know during your consultation so I can ensure your treatment plan is tailored appropriately to your individual needs.