Menstruation and menopause
Menstruation and menopause are natural processes in a woman’s life, but that doesn’t mean the discomforts associated with them should be considered “normal.” Many women experience discomforts such as pain, fatigue, mood swings, and sleep problems month after month, without being aware of the effective solutions available. Acupuncture is one of these solutions and offers relief for women struggling with hormonal issues. In this blog, we discuss how acupuncture can help and why it is important for women to talk openly about their cycles to break the taboo.
Facts about menstrual and menopausal issues
The number of women experiencing menstrual problems is shockingly high. Research shows:
- 80% of women experience menstrual issues such as cramps, headaches, fatigue, and mood swings (1).
- 20% to 40% of women suffer from Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), which includes severe physical and psychological symptoms (2).
- During menopause, around 75% of women experience issues such as hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and mood swings (3).
- 1 in 3 women report that their menstrual or menopausal issues negatively affect their daily life, work performance, and social activities (4).
Yet, these issues are still rarely discussed and are often considered “normal,” despite the fact that effective treatments are available that can relieve the symptoms.
How does acupuncture help?
Acupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine and focuses on restoring balance in the body. This is done by placing thin needles at specific points that influence the energy flow (Qi) and hormonal balance. Several studies show that acupuncture can be effective in treating menstrual and menopausal issues:
- Reducing menstrual pain (Dysmenorrhea)
Acupuncture helps improve blood circulation and reduce muscle tension in the uterus. Research shows that women who receive acupuncture experience less pain and require less medication compared to those who do not receive treatment (5).
- Relieving PMS symptoms
PMS is often caused by a hormonal imbalance, particularly fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels. Acupuncture helps regulate the hormone levels, leading to fewer mood swings, bloating, and headaches (6).
- Reducing menopausal symptoms
For hot flashes, insomnia, and mood swings, acupuncture can help by stimulating the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and endorphins. A clinical study showed that women receiving acupuncture treatments had significantly fewer hot flashes and experienced better sleep (7).
Breaking the taboo
Despite the high number of women who suffer from menstrual or menopausal issues every month, the subject remains taboo. Many women feel isolated in their experience and are told that it “comes with the territory.” This lack of openness means that too little is said about possible solutions, like acupuncture and other natural treatments.
It is time for women to talk more openly about their cycles. By sharing our experiences, we can raise awareness and support each other in finding effective treatments. Menstrual and menopausal issues do not have to be burdens we must endure – there are ways to improve the quality of life.
What can you do?
- Talk about it – Open conversations with friends, family, or colleagues can help others feel less alone.
- Find a solution that works for you – Acupuncture can be a great addition to your health routine, along with healthy eating and regular exercise.
- Stay critical – Don’t let anyone tell you that menstrual pain or hot flashes are “just part of life.” Seek help if your symptoms are affecting your daily life.
Conclusion
Menstrual and menopausal issues are common, but they should not be considered normal. Acupuncture offers a safe and effective way to address hormonal imbalances and relieve symptoms. It is important for us as women to talk openly about our cycles and share knowledge, so that together, we can take steps toward a life with less discomfort and more well-being.
Would you like to learn more about how acupuncture can help you? Feel free to contact me for a consultation or free advice!
Sources:
(1) French, L. (2005). Dysmenorrhea. American Family Physician.
(2) Yonkers, K. A., O’Brien, P. M. S., & Eriksson, E. (2008). Premenstrual syndrome. The Lancet.
(3) Freeman, E. W., et al. (2007). Sleep patterns and menopausal symptoms. Menopause Journal.
(4) Office on Women’s Health (2019). Menstruation and the menstrual cycle. U.S. Department of Health.
(5) Armour, M., et al. (2017). Acupuncture for dysmenorrhea: A systematic review. PLOS ONE.
(6) Habek, D., et al. (2002). Acupuncture and PMS: A clinical trial. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
(7) Borud, E. K., et al. (2010). Acupuncture in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Menopause Journal.
