Menopause is a natural stage of life that marks the end of the reproductive years.
This transition is often accompanied by a range of physical and emotional symptoms that can affect daily life and overall wellbeing.
Common symptoms include:
- hot flashes and night sweats
- sleep disturbances
- mood changes such as anxiety or irritability
- vaginal dryness
- reduced concentration or mental clarity
Up to 75% of women experience menopausal symptoms during this transition.
Understanding menopause
Menopause occurs due to a gradual decline in ovarian function, leading to reduced levels of estrogen and progesterone.
These hormonal changes can affect multiple systems in the body, including:
- temperature regulation
- sleep patterns
- mood and emotional stability
- bone and cardiovascular health (Santoro et al., 2015)
Menopause is typically divided into three stages:
- Perimenopause – hormonal fluctuations and irregular cycles
- Menopause – no menstrual period for 12 consecutive months
- Postmenopause – long-term changes following menopause
How acupuncture may help
Acupuncture may be considered as part of a broader approach to managing menopausal symptoms.
From a clinical perspective, it may help by:
- influencing the nervous system and stress response
- supporting temperature regulation
- improving sleep quality
- reducing muscle tension and restlessness
Treatment is individualised and adjusted based on symptom patterns.
What research suggests
There is growing evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) supporting the use of acupuncture in menopause.
A meta-analysis found that acupuncture significantly reduced the frequency and severity of hot flashes, improved sleep quality, and reduced other menopausal symptoms (Chiu et al., 2017).
A randomised controlled trial demonstrated that acupuncture improved hot flash frequency and quality of life compared to sham treatment (Kim et al., 2018).
Another pragmatic RCT reported meaningful improvements in hot flashes and sleep following acupuncture treatment (Avis et al., 2016).
Acupuncture has also been associated with improvements in vasomotor symptoms and overall wellbeing in clinical populations (Walker et al., 2017).
While these findings are encouraging, individual responses may vary.
A broader approach
Management of menopausal symptoms often involves a combination of strategies.
These may include:
- medical treatment such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- lifestyle adjustments
- stress management
- complementary therapies such as acupuncture
HRT remains one of the most effective treatments for symptom relief, but it may not be suitable for all women due to potential risks (Santoro et al., 2015).
Self-care support
Simple lifestyle strategies may help support symptom management:
- regular physical activity
- stress management
- staying hydrated
- avoiding triggers such as caffeine, alcohol, or spicy foods
- keeping the body cool and comfortable
These approaches can be used alongside treatment.
When to seek further assessment
Some symptoms require medical evaluation, including:
- heavy or irregular bleeding
- bleeding after menopause
- persistent pelvic pain
- unusual vaginal discharge
Urgent symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or sudden severe headaches require immediate medical attention.
A practical perspective
Menopausal symptoms are often influenced by multiple factors.
A structured and individualised approach may help:
- reduce symptom intensity
- improve sleep and mood
- support long-term wellbeing
Acupuncture may play a role within this broader management plan.
Important note
The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
References
Avis, N. E., Coeytaux, R. R., Isom, S., et al. (2016). Acupuncture in menopause (AIM) study: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial. Menopause, 23(6), 626–637.
https://doi.org/10.1097/GME.0000000000000598
Chiu, H. Y., Pan, C. H., Shyu, Y. K., Han, B. C., & Tsai, P. S. (2017). Effects of acupuncture on menopause-related symptoms and quality of life: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Menopause, 24(2), 146–156.
https://doi.org/10.1097/GME.0000000000000732
Kim, T.-H., Kang, J.-W., Kim, K.-H., et al. (2018). Acupuncture for menopausal hot flashes: A randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 24(4), 320–327.
https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2017.0110
Santoro, N., Epperson, C. N., & Mathews, S. B. (2015). Menopausal symptoms and their management. Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics, 44(3), 497–515.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecl.2015.05.001
Walker, E. M., Rodriguez, A. I., Kohn, B., et al. (2017). Acupuncture versus venlafaxine for vasomotor symptoms: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 35(31), 3605–3612.
https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2017.73.1155