Perimenopause can occur several years prior to actual menopause. As estrogen production in the body decreases, symptoms of perimenopause may appear, including but not limited to:
hot flashes
fatigue
insomnia
irregular menstrual cycle
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
vaginal dryness
increased breast tenderness
decreased libido
irritability
mood swings
anxiety
Western medicine often prescribes hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and anti-depressants for perimenopause, which have uncomfortable side effects and symptoms of their own such as bloating, nausea, headaches, and depression.
With Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the discomfort of this transitory period can be relieved naturally.
Traditional Chinese Medicine for Perimenopause
Acupuncture benefits perimenopausal women by regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, the communication pathways between the brain, pituitary, and ovaries that regulate the hormones produced by the body.
In studies, acupuncture was shown to aid the pituitary in releasing follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone (which causes ovulation), both of which stimulate estrogen production in the ovaries. Acupuncture has also been proven to boost dopamine production, which affects moods and the way the body experiences pain. It promotes release of the hormones melatonin and serotonin in the brain to ease symptoms of fatigue and insomnia.
Chinese herbal medicine can also be implemented to relieve symptoms of perimenopause. Though every herbal prescription is customized to the individual, many herbs have anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease pain associated with perimenopause. Certain herbs can also be used to promote rest, decrease anxiety, and encourage hormone production.
In one study, herbal medicine alone produced a 74.60% total effective rate in treating symptoms of perimenopause. All custom herbs should be prescribed by a licensed Chinese herbal medicine practitioner for the best results. Acupuncture and herbal medicine can be implemented together for the most effective treatment. In a study combining acupuncture and herbs for perimenopause, acupuncture plus herbs produced a 96.83% total effective rate in relieving symptoms. For the maximum effect of the study, each patient received a minimum of 12 weeks of acupuncture and herbs.
If you are having difficulty managing your perimenopausal symptoms, Chinese medicine can help you through the transitory period without the uncomfortable side effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and antidepressants.
Call us at (321) 972-2940 to schedule your initial health consultation today!
Sources:
HealthCMI. "Acupuncture Perimenopause Relief." (May 31, 2015). Retrieved from http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1483-acupuncture-perimenopause-relief
HealthCMI. "Acupuncture Plus Herbs Alleviate Perimenopause." (May 18, 2016). Retrieved from http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1635-acupuncture-plus-herbs-alleviate-perimenopause