Perimenopause & Menopause

Understanding the Difference

Perimenopause refers to the transitional period leading up to menopause, during which a woman's body undergoes hormonal changes that eventually result in the cessation of menstruation. This stage typically begins in a woman's mid-40s but can start earlier or later, and can last anywhere from a few months to several years. During perimenopause, the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body begin to fluctuate, leading to irregular periods, hot flashes, mood changes, vaginal dryness, insomnia, and weight changes.

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. It typically occurs when a woman's ovaries stop producing eggs, and her levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones decline. The average age of menopause in the United States is 51 years old. Menopause is considered to have occurred when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months.

Perimenopause and Menopause can cause similar physical and emotional symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, and depression. These symptoms can be managed through lifestyle changes and holistic treatments such as acupuncture, diet, and herbal medicine.

While menopause is a natural part of the aging process for women, it can also occur prematurely due to certain medical conditions or treatments, such as chemotherapy or surgery to remove the ovaries.

How can Acupuncture Help?

Acupuncture targets specific points on the body to regulate hormonal fluctuations that occur during perimenopause and menopause and promote homeostasis.

Research suggests that acupuncture may be effective in reducing the severity and frequency of hot flashes and other symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. A 2016 meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials found that acupuncture was significantly more effective than sham acupuncture or no treatment in reducing hot flash frequency and severity.The exact mechanism by which acupuncture treats hot flashes is not fully understood, but there are several theories. One explanation is that acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood enhancers that can help reduce the intensity of hot flashes.

Another theory is that acupuncture regulates the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is involved in the regulation of the body's stress response and the production of hormones such as cortisol. Hormonal imbalances during perimenopause and menopause disrupt the HPA axis, leading to hot flashes and other symptoms.

Acupuncture also affects the neurotransmitters and hormones involved in the regulation of body temperature, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and estrogen. By targeting specific acupuncture points, acupuncture can help regulate these systems and reduce the severity and frequency of hot flashes.

Acupuncture also helps with sleep disturbances, anxiety, insomnia and mood regulation due to perimenopause. Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters, which help regulate mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.

Additionally, acupuncture regulates levels of hormones such as eostrogen and cortisol, which can become imbalanced during perimenopause and menopause and contribute to mood swings. Acupuncture also reduces stress and improves sleep quality, which can also contribute to improved mood and emotional stability during perimenopause and menopause.

The Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Menopause

Chinese herbal medicine has been used to treat hot flashes, a common symptom of menopause, for centuries. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), hot flashes are caused by a deficiency of Yin, a cooling and nourishing energy in the body, and an excess of Yang, a warming and activating energy.

TCM practitioners believe that Chinese herbal medicine can restore the balance of Yin and Yang in the body, which can help to alleviate hot flashes.

These are some Chinese herbs that are commonly used When Combined to treat hot flashes, including:

  • This herb is believed to nourish Yin and reduce heat in the body.

  • This herb is believed to clear heat and reduce inflammation in the body.

  • This herb is believed to nourish blood and Yin, and has a calming effect on the nervous system.

  • This herb is believed to cool the blood and reduce heat in the body.

  • This herb is believed to nourish Yin and clear heat in the body.

  • This herb is believed to strengthen the spleen and promote the circulation of fluids in the body.

In TCM, herbs are used in combination to create a formula that is tailored to the individual patient's needs.Some studies suggest Chinese herbal medicine may help to reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes by regulating estrogen levels and reducing the sensitivity of the body’s thermostat.

Here are some helpful Resources:

.https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/9/1/e023637

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4874921/

https://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/acupuncture-menopause/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29029258

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30003102