Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have been used for premenopausal syndromes such as hot flushes, heavy menstruation, mood swings, etc., for thousands of years. It has been proven to be an effective method to treat perimenopause, relieve symptoms and address the cause of these symptoms.

Perimenopause is a stage all women have to go through sooner or later, no matter if we like it or not. Hot flushes are one of the most common symptoms, as well as irregular periods, forgetfulness, poor concentration, mood swings, night sweats, vaginal dryness and decreased libido. Loss of bone density is also another condition that starts at this period. Different people may be bothered by different symptoms; often one of two of the above symptoms could be more dominating. Although symptoms can be different, the physio-pathological changes in our body are the same, which is the decline of the hormone level, especially estrogens in our body.

According to Chinese medicine, Yin is the cool energy and Yang is the warm energy in the body. The balance of Yin and Yang keeps the healthy status of the body. During the period of pre-menopause/menopause, body’s Yin energy (estrogen is part of the Yin energy) decreases, especially the Yin of liver and kidney, which leads to Yang becoming relatively excessive causing heat symptoms, such as hot flushes and night sweats. The heat can also disturb our mind causing insomnia, poor memory, liver Yin deficiency leading to irregular period and mood swings. The kidney Yin deficiency can cause to aging and period disorders.

Treatment of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can stimulate the release of hormones, for early decline of ovary functions (women in thirties or early forties), acupuncture can help to stimulate and recover the secretions of estrogens and push back the onset of premenopausal.

For women reaching 45-48 years old, it is a natural process to go through premenopausal process, however acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help to minimize the symptoms and maintain quality of life during this time. Together with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine treatment, dietary changes are also recommended. Foods that are usually recommended are broccoli, bone broth, seaweeds and black sesame seeds for replenishing calcium, Chinese jujubes, dragon eyes, goji berries for blood and iron, soybeans which gives natural estrogen like effects, fruits and vegetables to increase the Yin energy; and less of spicy food and alcohol consumption.