Menopausal Symptoms

Menopause is the time leading to the permanent cessation of menstruation which generally occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 years old in the west but varies around the world. The average in the west is 51 years old while in parts of Asia it is just 44. Women who smoke cigarettes experience menopause significantly earlier than non-smokers.

The menopause is based on the stopping of hormone production by the ovaries.

When a woman’s ovaries are removed (oophorectomy), even if the uterus was left in place, the woman is at once in “surgical menopause”.

In women who have not had their uterus removed, and who are not pregnant or producing breast milk, post menopause is defined by a permanent (at least one year’s) absence of monthly periods. In women without a uterus, menopause or post menopause is identified by a very high FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) level.

It is the change of the behaviour of the ovaries that signal the menopause starting. Periods are missed and become unpredictable. Peri-menopausal symptoms may follow with symptoms such as heavy bleeding, disturbed sleep, hot flushes, dry eyes, vaginal changes, hair loss, weight gain, loss of libido or extreme emotional distress.

In the West, a last period between the ages of 55 and 60 is considered a “late menopause”, and an “early menopause” is where one’s final period occurs somewhere between the ages of 45 and 50.

If you’d like to talk to Richard about how acupuncture might help you personally, click here for contact and location information.

Case History: Hot flushes, sleep disturbance

A woman in her late forties was having difficulty with the arrival of regular hot flushes, anxiety, reduced libido and sleep disturbances.

After a short course of weekly acupuncture treatment she found her symptoms had all reduced in both intensity and frequency.

For a period of time she came fortnightly and now finds that acupuncture treatment approximately every three weeks is usually enough to keep her symptoms under control and her libido is much improved.

Case History: Fainting, hot flushes, migraine

A woman in her 50’s came for acupuncture treatment for severe hot flushes at night. She was also suffering with frequent migraines, insomnia, frequent fainting (2-3 times a week). Her moods were up and down (particularly with the effects of the insomnia).

After a first treatment she found some improvement in the hot flushes and her sleep also she was feeling better in herself. She had 5 acupuncture treatments at approximately weekly intervals during which she made sustained progress. By her 6th treatment she said “everything feels so much better”. She continues to come every 3-4 weeks depending on how she is feeling, her blood pressure is much more stable and so she is now fainting much less than she was.

What will the Acupuncture treatment be like?

For Menopausal symptoms, the acupuncture points used are often on the arms and legs though other areas may also be used.

The needles are incredibly fine and most people are not put off – in fact they are usually pleasantly surprised by how they enjoy the treatment.

The sensation of ‘needling’ is like pulling a hair out of your arm. Try it!

How many Acupuncture treatments?

The number of acupuncture treatments required will depend on a number of factors: the intensity of the symptoms at the time of starting treatment, stress/lifestyle may also play a part and some advice may be given to help further.

Most women will need to come weekly for a few treatments and then be able to start coming less often – commonly maintaining monthly treatment to avoid future problems or coming back for more treatment if symptoms return.

Why else choose acupuncture?

• Very Low risk: Acupuncture is very safe when performed by a trained professional.
• Naturally calming: Many people feel deeply relaxed during or after treatment (often falling asleep during treatment).
• Drug-free: It helps the body heal without medication or potentially worrying side effects.
• Minimal discomfort: Needles are hair-thin and usually painless.
  
• Mild effects only: Rare side effects include slight redness or brief bruising.