What is menopause?

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Menopause is the permanent end of a women's menstrual periods, diagnosed as 12 consecutive months without a period. This can occur naturally or as a result of surgery or medical treatment.  The primary basis for naturally occurring menopausal symptoms lies in the ovary itself, as ovarian follicles are greatly depleted at the time of menopause.  As the follicle activity decreases and then ceases, there is a lack of oestrogen and subsequently the cessation of menses occurs. 

 

These changes in the hormones are responsible for the symptoms associated with menopause. Most women naturally go through menopause between the ages of 45 and 60, with each experience varied. Some women may have no significant symptoms, whilst others can have several symptoms in varying combinations.

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What are the symptoms of menopause?

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Symptoms may start to occur in the years leading up to menopause occurring. Some may experience one or more of these symptoms (Makara-Studzinska, M., 2014):

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• Changes in menstrual cycle - during the lead up to menopause your period may reduce in frequency or increase in frequency - this is considered the perimenopause phase. 

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• Hot flushes or night sweats 

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• Sleep disruptions

  • Insomnia​

  • Early waking

  • Disrupted sleep

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• Vaginal Dryness 

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• Mental emotional imbalances

  • Anxiety​

  • Depression

  • Irritability

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• Muscle or joint pain

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• Migraines or headaches

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• Reduced libido

 

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Can Acupuncture help with menopause?

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While Western Medicine views menopause as the decline in hormones, Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) sees the symptoms of menopause as an umbrella term for many different underlying imbalances. In TCM, your menstrual health as well as your overall internal balance prior to reaching menopause determines the types of symptoms you'll experience and the severity in which you experience them. Since the menopausal transition is such an individualised and elongated process, tailored treatments devised by our highly qualified acupuncturists at our Brisbane acupuncture clinic may provide a personalised approach.

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How does acupuncture help with menopause?

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Acupuncture has been utilised over thousands of years to regulate the qi or energy flow throughout the body. As the body transitions through to menopause, there is a decline in 'yin'. This yin energy is responsible for nourishing the fluids of the body. In menopause, symptoms related to 'drying' and 'heat' present within the body due to this yin deficiency. These include, the night sweats, hot flashes, dry mouth, anxiety like symptoms etc. The focus of acupuncture is to therefore, work on supporting the yin energy through acupuncture, suggestions of lifestyle adjustments and mindfulness practices based on Traditional Chinese Medicine. 

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Can I get acupuncture when I'm taking hormone replacement therapy?

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Yes, you can still have acupuncture if you have been prescribed hormone replacement therapy. It is an adjunct treatment option that will not interact with your medications. 

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Where is your Brisbane acupuncture clinic located?

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Our Brisbane acupuncture clinic is located inside Gaia Mu Temple in Highgate Hill. This is a convenient location only 10 minutes away from the Brisbane CBD and 5 minutes away from the Mater Hospital and Princess Alexandra Hospital. 

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If you have any questions please contact our Brisbane acupuncture clinics via info@langacupuncture.com

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