Navigating the transition into menopause can be challenging, with many women experiencing symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and hormonal imbalances. Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine practice, has emerged as a promising treatment to alleviate some of these menopause-related issues. Recent studies provide compelling evidence on how acupuncture can support women during perimenopause and menopause.
Reducing Hot Flashes and Improving Menopause Symptoms
Hot flashes are one of the most common and uncomfortable symptoms of menopause. According to a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials, acupuncture significantly reduces the frequency and severity of hot flashes. In the study by Chiu et al. (2015), which reviewed 12 studies involving 869 participants, acupuncture was found to decrease hot flash frequency by about 35% and severity by approximately 44% (Chiu et al., 2015). This reduction translates to a more manageable experience for women going through menopause.
Beyond hot flashes, acupuncture also improved overall menopause-related symptoms. The Menopause Rating Scale, which assesses psychological, somatic, and urogenital symptoms, showed significant improvements in all areas after acupuncture treatment. Psychological symptoms (like mood swings and anxiety) were reduced by about 1.56 times the average amount of change seen in studies. Physical symptoms (such as aches and pains) improved by 1.39 times, and issues related to the genitals (like dryness or discomfort) improved by 0.82 times.
The benefits of acupuncture are not just short-term. The study found that the positive effects on hot flash frequency and severity persisted for up to three months after treatment (Chiu et al., 2015). This lasting impact offers a significant advantage for women seeking relief from menopause symptoms.
Enhancing Sleep Quality and Balancing Hormones
Sleep disturbances are another common issue during perimenopause and menopause. Acupuncture has been shown to significantly reduce the likelihood of sleep problems. In a separate meta-analysis, Chiu et al. (2016) found that acupuncture decreased the odds of sleep disturbances to just 21% of the baseline risk (Chiu et al., 2016). This reduction is particularly valuable as poor sleep can exacerbate other menopause symptoms and impact overall well-being.
Acupuncture also influences hormone levels, which can be beneficial for managing menopause symptoms. The study by Chiu et al. (2016) reported that acupuncture increases serum estradiol levels by approximately 7.56 pg/mL, while decreasing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels by about 6.75 and 2.71 milli-international units/mL, respectively (Chiu et al., 2016). These hormonal changes are associated with improvements in sleep quality and overall symptom relief. Moreover, studies with larger changes in estradiol levels were linked to a significantly lower risk of sleep disturbances, highlighting the effectiveness of acupuncture in this regard.
Conclusion
Acupuncture offers a promising complementary approach for managing perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms. Its benefits extend from reducing hot flashes and improving overall menopause symptoms to enhancing sleep quality and balancing hormone levels. As women navigate this transitional phase, acupuncture may provide a valuable tool for improving their quality of life and alleviating common menopause-related challenges.
References
Chiu, H.Y., Pan, C.H., Shyu, Y.K., Han, B.C. and Tsai, P.S., 2015. Effects of acupuncture on menopause-related symptoms and quality of life in women in natural menopause: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Menopause, 22(2), pp.234-244.
Chiu, H.Y., Hsieh, Y.J. and Tsai, P.S., 2016. Acupuncture to reduce sleep disturbances in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 127(3), pp.507-515.
