Acupuncture & the Menopause
Although it can vary from person to person, the natural menopause normally occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 56. The menopause is when periods begin to become less frequent or stop entirely, it is the time when a woman can no longer get pregnant naturally. During the this time a variety of symptoms may be experienced, which can cause varying amounts of distress. The most common symptoms experienced are:
However, the symptoms listed below can also be very common:
For many women, such symptoms can be debilitating and impact on their day to day life, they can be so distressing that they seek help from their GP. Conventional treatment is usually hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which is considered to be effective in treating the symptoms, however has many health implications. While some women find HRT works for them, others experience many distressing effects; some are advised against taking it, or are unwilling to take it. It is the continuing and sometimes relentless distress caused by their symptoms that prompts many women to seek acupuncture. Studies in the past years have shown that Acupuncture is effective in reducing the symptoms of the menopause - mainly hot flushes and anxiety (Hsiao-Yean Chiu et al 2014).
There are different theories that explain why Acupuncture can be effective in treating Menopausal symptoms, and some speculate that it could help reduce sweats as it promotes blood vessel dilation and stimulates the release of painkilling endorphins, it can also be help and it may trigger the production of stress and mood-regulating hormones. It is thought that Acupuncture also has an effect on the hypothalamus, and area in the brain, which helps control the body's response to temperature changes (see article).
The menopause can be a difficult time for many women and the huge shifts and changes in hormone levels can cause you to feel different emotionally and physically. When we use Acupuncture to treat the symptoms of menopause, we are looking to re-balance the body and to better equip it for the changes that may result from it.
Although it can vary from person to person, the natural menopause normally occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 56. The menopause is when periods begin to become less frequent or stop entirely, it is the time when a woman can no longer get pregnant naturally. During the this time a variety of symptoms may be experienced, which can cause varying amounts of distress. The most common symptoms experienced are:
- Hot flushes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
However, the symptoms listed below can also be very common:
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Aches and Pains
- Headaches
- Palpitations
- Genital and Urinary Problems
For many women, such symptoms can be debilitating and impact on their day to day life, they can be so distressing that they seek help from their GP. Conventional treatment is usually hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which is considered to be effective in treating the symptoms, however has many health implications. While some women find HRT works for them, others experience many distressing effects; some are advised against taking it, or are unwilling to take it. It is the continuing and sometimes relentless distress caused by their symptoms that prompts many women to seek acupuncture. Studies in the past years have shown that Acupuncture is effective in reducing the symptoms of the menopause - mainly hot flushes and anxiety (Hsiao-Yean Chiu et al 2014).
There are different theories that explain why Acupuncture can be effective in treating Menopausal symptoms, and some speculate that it could help reduce sweats as it promotes blood vessel dilation and stimulates the release of painkilling endorphins, it can also be help and it may trigger the production of stress and mood-regulating hormones. It is thought that Acupuncture also has an effect on the hypothalamus, and area in the brain, which helps control the body's response to temperature changes (see article).
The menopause can be a difficult time for many women and the huge shifts and changes in hormone levels can cause you to feel different emotionally and physically. When we use Acupuncture to treat the symptoms of menopause, we are looking to re-balance the body and to better equip it for the changes that may result from it.
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