Perimenopause, or the ages “around menopause,” can feel like puberty in reverse. It is the transition leading to menopause where a woman still has her period, but ovarian function starts to decline, and estrogen levels gradually drop. Women usually begin feeling symptoms of perimenopause sometime in their 40’s, although it can be earlier. These symptoms generally last two to seven years. The average age for menopause, or the absence of a period for 12 consecutive months, is 51 years old. The duration of perimenopause varies significantly from woman to woman, and like puberty, there’s often a lot of unpredictability involved.
Until recently, menopause wasn’t much talked about. Women weren’t given a lot of information, and even fewer options, on what to expect and how to address it. They were often dismissed and disempowered, leading to even less communication. Women want to be informed about the changes and concerns they are facing and, fortunately, there is now growing research and open discussion around the topic.
Perimenopause brings with it a whole host of symptoms. Some women experience subtle, gradual changes, while others notice more obvious physical, emotional, and psychological shifts. While some women opt for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to manage symptoms, others prefer a more natural, holistic approach. Regularly scheduled acupuncture treatments are shown to reduce certain symptoms by up to 50% with lasting results. Together with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture can help restore hormone balance naturally.
Some of the most common symptoms with menopause:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Irregular periods
- Mood swings and irritability
- Insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns
- Fatigue and brain fog
- Joint pain and muscle stiffness
- Weight gain
- Hair loss
- Vaginal dryness, loss of libido, and discomfort during intercourse
How does acupuncture help with menopause?
Acupuncture has been around for 4,000 years. It involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow, known as Qi (pronounced “chee”). There are twelve main meridians, or energetic pathways, on the body and an acupuncturist uses points along these meridians to stimulate different reactions based on the patterns a patient is presenting.
Acupuncture can help regulate hormonal fluctuations by stimulating the release of endorphins, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters that influence hormone production. Acupuncture can help cool you down by promoting blood vessel dilation and regulating the internal thermostat, thereby reducing hot flashes and night sweats.
Perimenopause can have a significant impact on mood. These hormonal changes can often manifest as irritability, anxiety, depression, and even rage. Women will often say they don’t recognize themselves anymore and they are stuck in the “fight or flight” mode, even though they are exhausted. Acupuncture promotes relaxation and reduces stress levels by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to a balanced and more stabilized mood.
Fatigue, brain fog, and insomnia are common complaints during menopause and ones that tend to snowball. Acupuncture can help regulate sleep cycles and promote deeper, more restful sleep by addressing the underlying imbalances in the body. Healthy sleep can do wonders for mental acuity, mood, and frustration thresholds.
Joint pain, muscle stiffness, and headaches are also common issues during menopause. Acupuncture is proven for its effectiveness in treating musculoskeletal pain by reducing inflammation, providing natural pain relief and enhancing overall mobility and flexibility.
Vaginal dryness, loss of libido, and pain during intercourse can have a significant and detrimental impact on a woman’s quality of life during menopause, both physically and emotionally. Acupuncture can help increase blood flow to the pelvic region, improving lubrication and enhancing sexual function.
Menstrual cycle changes are often an early indicator of perimenopause. Missed periods, shorter cycles, and heavier or lighter periods are all common. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs help regulate the menstrual cycle by increasing circulation to reproductive organs and harmonizing the hormonal feedback loop that governs the cycle. It can also aid in painful or clotty periods, tender breasts, PMS, and digestive issues.
While menopause is a natural part of aging, it doesn’t have to be a dreaded part of life. In fact, it should be approached as a time to reconnect with your changing body, a time to reflect on what you’ve accomplished and what’s most important going forward. Menopause should be about preparing for the next chapter of life with balance and well-being, excited for what’s still to come. Acupuncture offers a proven, full-body approach to ease the symptoms of menopause, helping women navigate through this natural transition smoothly. In addition to mitigating the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause, acupuncturists can also help guide and support you in adopting beneficial lifestyle changes. Healthy aging should be something we embrace rather than avoid.
Jenny Karns is a licensed acupuncturist and a fellow of the Acupuncture and TCM Board of Reproductive Medicine (ABORM). She has focused on Women’s Health since 2010.
If you’d like to schedule an acupuncture appointment at the Whole Health Institute with Jenny Karns, call
Call913-632-3550 or request an appointment online today!
