Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It is defined as the permanent cessation of menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months, and it typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. Perimenopause, on the other hand, is the period leading up to menopause.
During perimenopause a woman’s ovaries gradually begin to produce less estrogen, causing changes in menstrual cycles and hormone levels. This can result in various symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, vaginal dryness and irregular periods.
Perimenopause can begin several years before menopause, typically in a woman’s 40s, but it can start earlier or later for some women. The length of perimenopause can vary widely, ranging from a few months to several years.
There are several treatment options available for women experiencing menopause symptoms. The choice of treatment will depend on the severity of symptoms and the woman’s individual health status and preferences. These may include hormone therapy, non-hormonal medications, lifestyle changes, vaginal estrogen and complimentary therapies such as acupuncture.
Many women turn to acupuncture to control some of their menopausal symptoms. Potential benefits of acupuncture for menopause include:
- Improving sleep quality in women experiencing insomnia.
- Helping to reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes and night sweats.
- Reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Being effective in treating many types of pain, including joint pain, headaches, and menstrual cramps.
- Helping to improve overall quality of life by reducing menopausal symptoms and promoting feelings of well-being.