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Peri-Menopause
Menopause, Peri-menopause and Postmenopause
Menopause denotes a time in a woman’s life when her monthly period ends. If it just stopped, that would be great! Unfortunately for most woman in New Zealand and around the world it can turn into a lengthy and distressing process. Symptoms are many and varied but hot flashes/flushes are expressed to be the worst symptom. Interestingly African American females are twice as likely to suffer from hot flushes than their female Japanese counterparts.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can make this time easier to tolerate.
There are three types of menopause. Natural, early or premature and artificial which occurs when ovaries are removed or after cancer therapy. The perimenopause period is the time women need help and support. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help with all of these.There are things that woman can do to ease symptoms. As every woman's symptoms will be different and intensity varied, individual protocols will be needed. The strength of acupuncture is that we can tailor each treatment to the individual. The most sought out symptom from women is hot flushes/flashes, where the woman experiences a sudden feeling of heat or is being completely drenched in perspiration! Not only is this distressing but embarrassing. Acupuncture can have the effect of lessening these in frequency and duration. Acupuncture would also help with sleep, digestion, aches and pains so that the perimenopause symptoms experienced are eased.
Evidence from randomised controlled trials supports the use of acupuncture as an adjunctive or stand alone treatment for reducing Vasomoter symptoms and improving health related quality of life outcomes. Meta-Analysis by Deann Befus et Al.
Research is backing up acupuncture claims. However those hormonal fluctuations are there every moment of every day. There will be women who need more than needles. Chinese herbs are useful as you can consume them daily but the other option is menopausal hormonal treatment. I have worked with G.P's prescribing medication to help with stabilizing hormones and what the medication can't sort the needles can! There is no reason health proffessionals cannot work together for the better outcome of our patients.
What are your triggers?The first place to start is to look at triggers.Does summer, humid weather, hot rooms trigger increased incidence?Does alcohol trigger increased incidence?Does coffee trigger increased incidence?Does strong emotions or emotional thoughts trigger increased incidence?Does being in a confined space or in a room with a lot of people trigger increased incidence?
Many women either haven’t noticed a correlation or find it hard to believe that these things can bring on a hot flash! Perhaps write down when it happens and what activity or thought preceded it. Once you figure out your triggers it will be easier to treat the symptoms.
Some other things to consider, that may help menopausal symptoms
- Elimination diet
- Supplements
- Herbs
- Calming activities
If you would like more help and advice please book an acupuncture session with Angelique so she can guide you through this period of your life.