Menopause is an natural stage in a woman’s life which usually occurs after the age of 45. During this time, the woman’s ovaries stop producing the hormones progesterone and oestrogen, her period stops and she is no longer fertile.
However, symptoms and changes will often begin several years earlier and may include:
- Night sweats or hot flushes
- Mood swings
- Vaginal dryness
- Trouble concentrating
- Insomnia
Although most of these symptoms are mild, there are others like vaginal dryness and insomnia that may require treatment. You should schedule a check-up with your doctor to check on your general health and to determine if you are at risk of osteoporosis, heart disease or breast cancer.
Different treatment options
There are several treatment options available to women who are experiencing the symptoms caused by menopause. One of the most popular treatments is hormone therapy and this will require a doctor’s prescription since you will need to take some medication to control or facilitate the production of oestrogen and progesterone.
You can also use creams, gels, hormonal patches, and vaginal rings as an alternative to the traditional pills, depending on your symptoms. Usually, treatment will start before the age of 60 and will continue for up to five years.
Another popular treatment option is called non-hormonal therapy and this will require you to take non-hormonal pills and medications like antidepressants that may help relieve hot flushes. You may also engage in various relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation since these activities can reduce the stress of menopause and may prove beneficial in the long run.
Acupuncture as a natural treatment for menopause
A recent study concluded that Acupuncture can significantly reduce some of the unpleasant symptoms of menopause. In fact, it is used to ease several types of conditions like chronic pain, depression and migraines so Acupuncture is considered a viable treatment option for menopause.
Acupuncture points that trigger the physical and emotional effects of menopause are located all over the body. Therefore, during your Acupuncture treatment, tiny needles will be placed in your arms, legs and sometimes abdomen. Sometimes a patient will feel a brief moment of discomfort as the needle penetrates the skin, but once the needles are placed in your skin, you will be relaxed and you may even fall asleep for the duration of the treatment.
Overall, Acupuncture can significantly reduce the symptoms of menopause, and you can choose it as an alternative treatment to hormone therapy. Typically, each treatment will last from thirty to forty-five minutes, and you will be treated once a week until symptoms subside.
Some of the symptoms are relieved after your first session, while chronic or severe ailments will take multiple treatments. We recommend that you look for a certified Acupuncturist like Belinda Eisen, who has formal training and experience in the treatment of menopause.