Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, during which a woman's body undergoes hormonal changes. It is the slow and steady beginning of menopause that can actually start up to 10 years prior to going through menopause. This is an area of gynecological health that is just starting to get some attention but it has been quite the mystery and a forgotten phase of a woman’s life in conventional medicine. Many women do not know that some of the changes they are experiencing are even perimenopausal, which can then create a lot of emotional and physical upheaval.
Chinese medicine has been treating perimenopause for thousands of years and even though this is a natural progression and transition to go through, it should not be something women have to suffer through.
The symptoms experienced during perimenopause can vary from woman to woman. Many times these symptoms are without connected dots, happening randomly and unbeknownst to the person experiencing them they may not know they are in fact perimenopausal symptoms.
In Chinese medicine there are “Three Golden Opportunities” to change your health; regulating your period, recovering from childbirth and the transition into menopause. Balancing out symptoms of imbalance that may arise to more than help momentary suffering, it also affects the health of how you age and thrive into your later years.
Going through it in a state of balance vs. disarray has a lot to do with previous contributing factors from early hormonal health, postpartum health and lifestyle. How we experience perimenopause is 100% connected to how we will go through menopause.
Below is both a list of what Acupuncture & Chinese herbal medicine can help treat in perimenopause and also common symptoms of perimenopause
Irregular menstrual cycles: Perimenopause often causes changes in the menstrual cycle. Periods may become irregular, with variations in the length of the cycle, flow, or skipped periods.
Hot flashes and night sweats: These sudden sensations of heat, often accompanied by sweating, are common during perimenopause. Hot flashes can vary in intensity and frequency and may disrupt sleep.
Mood swings: Hormonal fluctuations can lead to mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and even depression. Women may experience sudden shifts in mood or have difficulty managing emotions.
Sleep disturbances: Many women experience difficulties with sleep during perimenopause. This can manifest as insomnia, trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or having restless sleep.
Vaginal and urinary changes: Declining estrogen levels can cause vaginal dryness, itching, and discomfort during intercourse. Some women may also experience urinary changes, such as increased frequency or urgency.
Changes in sexual function: Perimenopause can affect sexual desire and arousal. Some women may experience a decrease in libido or changes in sexual response.
Physical changes: Women may notice physical changes like weight gain, especially around the abdomen, and a loss of breast fullness. Skin may become drier, and hair may become thinner or drier.
Cognitive changes: Some women report experiencing memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, or "brain fog" during perimenopause. While the exact cause is unclear, hormonal fluctuations and sleep disturbances may contribute to these cognitive changes.
How We Treat Perimenopause in Chinese Medicine
Similar to treating other internal medicine issues we focus on both the symptoms that are at hand which may be disrupting the patients lives or creating discomfort and the root diagnosis. Once we figure out all of the above we prescribe herbal formulas that are taken daily for 3-6 months if not longer and weekly acupuncture as well as nutritional therapy and some supplements if necessary. The combination of acupuncture & herbal medicine for perimenopause has shown to be very effective in the treatment of symptoms associated with perimenopause.
Here is how Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal medicine have been proven to help with perimenopausal symptoms and overall balance during this transition.
Hormonal balance: Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine aim to restore balance in the body, including hormone levels. By stimulating specific acupuncture points and using herbal formulations, these therapies may help regulate hormones, potentially reducing symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings.
Symptom management: Acupuncture is known for its ability to alleviate various symptoms. It can help reduce hot flashes, improve sleep quality, relieve anxiety and irritability, and mitigate vaginal dryness. By targeting specific points on the body, acupuncture may promote relaxation, stimulate blood flow, and regulate the nervous system.
Stress reduction: Perimenopause can be accompanied by increased stress levels. Acupuncture has been shown to have a calming effect on the body and mind, potentially reducing stress and anxiety. Chinese herbal medicine may also include herbs known for their adaptogenic properties, which can help the body better cope with stress.
Energy and vitality: Some women experience fatigue and a decrease in energy during perimenopause. TCM approaches, including acupuncture and herbal medicine, may aim to boost energy levels and overall vitality. Acupuncture can stimulate the flow of Qi (energy) in the body, while herbal formulations may include herbs traditionally used for tonifying the body's energy reserves.
Individualized treatment: One of the strengths of TCM is its emphasis on individualized treatment. Each person's experience of perimenopause is unique, and TCM practitioners take into account the specific symptoms and constitution of the individual. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine treatments are tailored to address the individual's needs and may be adjusted as symptoms change over time.
Acupuncture & Chinese medicine have been proven to help symptoms and ease the transition of Perimenopause and are a great place to start before jumping into HRT. HRT isn’t always the best answer for all women and many would prefer a natural option.
Acupuncture can also be done along side HRT to increase the best outcomes. Perimenopause and menopause have been treated for thousands of years in Chinese medicine and have shown to only be a positive and sustainable solution for many patients.