Perimenopause & Menopause
Suddenly niggles of midlife start to appear, Dr Google provides an array of suggestions none of which seem to help or reduce the slight sense of anxiety about perimenopause. Davina Mc Call made a big impact but your struggling to get personalised information from your surgery let alone your GP.
You need a customised plan, don’t loose faith yet! Whether your searching for a natural solution or you have started HRT why not consider acupuncture?
Here's a few resources to get you started:
Kim's Top 10 Perimenopause Tips
Your ready to try acupuncture if...
You’ve tried different diets, vitamins, supplements etc. but the impact is minimal in reducing symptoms.
HRT has been helpful for you BUT you’re still experiencing issues.
You struggle to organise self care time, but recognise it’s the missing piece of the puzzle. It seems so hard to stick to a plan to create time for yourself.
The DIY approach is a job of constant research and trying ‘things’ out which haven’t really made a big impact.
Your tired of wondering what symptom will pop up next! And how long you might wait to get help from your GP.
Your sparkle has disappeared. Lack of energy causes a vicious circle of trying to do the right things but your so tired you just throw in the towel.
You may have had an abrupt shift which is why your exploring options to deal with the shock of an early menopause (natural or medically induced).
Book A Discovery Call, Kim offer's a free 20 minute space to talk about your wellness needs.
Here's a look at a few common issues:
HOT FLASHES
Often the first symptom that might arise during peri to pause, one of the most common issues women notice due to fluctuation in temperature. Hot flushes occur when the body’s cooling function declines. This is caused by Yin deficiency in TCM terms. Yang ascends to the upper body, causing heat sensations and red flushing of the skin of the face, neck and chest.
Physiologically, acupuncture can help cool you down by promoting blood vessel dilation, stimulating the release of endorphins, and regulating the hypothalamus, your body’s internal thermostat. A recent study by Wake Forest University found that acupuncture reduced hot flashes and night sweats by 47%, and for a smaller group, the benefit was almost double.
MOOD CHANGES
Do you experience irritability, anxiety, depression and/ or intense feelings of anger? Hormonal changes of can have a significant impact on mood. Estrogen affects the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. These boost feelings of happiness. Reduced estrogen = lower neurotransmitter levels = more mood swings. One study found irritability was the main complaint for up to 70% of women during perimenopause.
Acupuncture is incredibly effective at balancing and regulating mood. In addition to treating irritability and excessive anger, acupuncture has a proven track record in benefiting depression and anxiety.
MEMORY AND MENTAL FOCUS
Having difficulty with memory and mental focus? You’re not alone. Studies have shown that up to 70% of women experiencing peri to pause experience problems with memory and cognition. Another study found that women don’t learn as well during perimenopause. Estrogen affects brain function by promoting neuronal growth supporting cognitive function. When estrogen declines during perimenopause, the brain feels the effects. Other perimenopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia and depression can also cause impairments in cognitive function. Acupuncture can be effective at clearing the mind as well as assisting in promoting mental focus.
FATIGUE
Tired all the time? Fatigue during perimenopause can be caused by a combination of factors, including fluctuating hormone levels and sleep disturbances. This can be caused by varying factors which is individual to each person. Studies have shown that acupuncture can help boost energy levels and treat chronic fatigue. It also treats sleep disturbances, a common issue in perimenopause and a cause of low energy levels during the day.
MENSTRUAL CYCLE CHANGES
Menstrual cycle changes are often an early indicator of perimenopause. Skipped periods, shorter cycles, and heavier or lighter periods are all common. Menopause is defined as one year without a period. Acupuncture helps regulate periods naturally by increasing circulation to the ovaries and uterus and regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, the feedback loop that governs the unfolding of the cycle. Acupuncture has also been shown to benefit polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and painful periods.
