What is menopause?

Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life, not a disease. It is officially defined as the point when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, provided there is no other medical explanation.

However, many of the symptoms commonly associated with menopause actually begin during perimenopause, the transition leading up to menopause. During this time, hormone levels fluctuate and eventually decline, which can affect the menstrual cycle and many other aspects of health and wellbeing.

Every woman experiences this transition differently. Some have very few symptoms, while others find that the changes significantly affect their daily lives.

Common perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms include:

• Hot flashes and night sweats

• Difficulty sleeping and insomnia

• Palpitations

• Headaches and migraines

• Brain fog and difficulty concentrating

• Vaginal dryness and discomfort

• Changes in sexual desire

• Mood swings, irritability and anxiety

• Changes in energy levels and general wellbeing

Although this transition is a natural part of life, you don’t have to simply put up with symptoms that affect your quality of life.

How can acupuncture help with menopausal symptoms?

Acupuncture can be a complementary approach to managing certain symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause.

Research suggests that acupuncture may help some women with symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep difficulties and mood-related complaints, although results vary and the evidence is not equally strong for all symptoms.

Treatment is tailored to your individual symptoms and overall health. We consider your menstrual and hormonal history, sleep, stress levels, lifestyle and any other factors that may be contributing to how you feel.

The aim is to help manage uncomfortable symptoms, support your body’s natural regulatory processes and improve your overall sense of wellbeing during this transition.

Where appropriate, we can also discuss lifestyle and dietary factors that may support you during this stage of life.

Looking at the Bigger Picture

Perimenopause and menopause affect more than just reproductive hormones. Changes during this transition can influence sleep, mood, energy, metabolism, bone health and many other aspects of wellbeing.

This is why I look at the bigger picture rather than focusing on individual symptoms in isolation.

Your treatment will be adapted to your needs and may include acupuncture and other techniques where appropriate. The aim is to support you through this transition and help you maintain your quality of life.

Acupuncture can complement conventional medical care, but it does not replace medical assessment or treatments such as hormone therapy when these are appropriate.

How many treatments will I need?

The number and frequency of treatments depend on your symptoms, how long you have been experiencing them and how you respond to acupuncture.

Some women notice changes after a few treatments, while others need a longer course of treatment. We will monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.

Treatments are often scheduled more frequently at the beginning and gradually spaced out as symptoms improve. The aim is to find an approach that works for you and supports your wellbeing over time.