Understanding Perimenopause & Menopause
Perimenopause and menopause are natural life transitions marked by fluctuating and eventually declining ovarian hormone production. These changes affect the nervous system, thermoregulation, sleep, mood, metabolism, bone health, and cardiovascular function.
Perimenopause refers to the transitional years leading up to menopause, often characterized by hormonal variability and irregular cycles. Menopause is defined as 12 consecutive months without menstruation and represents a new hormonal baseline.
Acupuncture offers a non-pharmaceutical approach to supporting the body during both phases by regulating neuroendocrine function, reducing symptom severity, and supporting long-term health.
How Acupuncture Supports Hormonal Transition
1. Regulates the Neuroendocrine System
Fluctuating estrogen and progesterone during perimenopause can disrupt communication between the brain and ovaries.
Acupuncture has been shown to:
Modulate the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian (HPO) axis
Improve autonomic nervous system balance
Support more stable hormonal signaling
These effects help smooth hormonal variability during perimenopause and support physiologic adaptation in menopause.
2. Reduces Vasomotor Symptoms (Hot Flashes & Night Sweats)
Vasomotor symptoms are linked to altered thermoregulation and nervous system sensitivity.
Clinical studies show acupuncture may:
Reduce frequency and intensity of hot flashes
Improve thermoregulatory stability
Support improved sleep disrupted by night sweats
3. Improves Sleep Quality
Sleep disruption is common during both perimenopause and menopause.
Acupuncture helps:
Regulate circadian rhythm signaling
Reduce nighttime awakenings
Improve sleep depth and duration
Improved sleep supports emotional health, cognitive clarity, and metabolic balance.
4. Supports Mood & Cognitive Function
Hormonal transitions can affect mood, focus, memory, and emotional regulation.
Acupuncture may:
Reduce anxiety and irritability
Improve depressive symptoms
Support cognitive function and mental clarity
Improve stress resilience
These benefits reflect acupuncture’s regulatory effects on the central nervous system.
5. Supports Musculoskeletal & Joint Health
Declining estrogen influences joint lubrication, connective tissue health, and pain sensitivity.
Acupuncture can:
Reduce joint and muscle pain
Improve circulation to connective tissues
Reduce inflammation and stiffness
This supports mobility and physical comfort during midlife transitions.
6. Supports Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
Menopause is associated with shifts in lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and cardiovascular risk.
Research suggests acupuncture may:
Improve autonomic regulation of blood pressure
Support glucose and lipid metabolism
Reduce systemic inflammation
These effects support long-term metabolic and cardiovascular health.
7. Emotional & Nervous System Regulation
Perimenopause and menopause often coincide with major life transitions and increased stress.
Acupuncture helps:
Shift the body into parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) dominance
Reduce cortisol
Improve emotional resilience and grounding
A regulated nervous system supports symptom reduction across multiple systems.
Summary
Acupuncture supports perimenopause and menopause by regulating the neuroendocrine system, reducing vasomotor symptoms, improving sleep and mood, supporting musculoskeletal health, and promoting long-term metabolic and cardiovascular balance.
It offers a gentle, research-supported approach to navigating hormonal transition with greater comfort and stability
References
Avis, N. E., et al. (2018). Acupuncture in menopausal symptom management: A systematic review. Menopause, 25(9), 1045–1054.
Chiu, H. Y., et al. (2016). Effects of acupuncture on menopause-related insomnia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 29, 43–54.
Dong, H., et al. (2011). Acupuncture modulates autonomic function in menopausal women. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 17(8), 777–783.
Huang, M. I., et al. (2015). Acupuncture for hot flashes: A randomized controlled trial. Menopause, 22(7), 725–730.
Lee, M. S., et al. (2009). Acupuncture for menopausal hot flushes: A systematic review. Maturitas, 62(2), 148–158.
Stener-Victorin, E., & Wu, X. (2016). Acupuncture and neuroendocrine regulation in women’s health. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 14(1), 1–13.
Xu, X., et al. (2020). Acupuncture for menopausal symptoms: A meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 49, 102316.
Zhang, Q., et al. (2019). Acupuncture improves sleep and mood in menopausal women. Climacteric, 22(2), 175–181.