October is the eighth annual World Menopause Month, created to raise awareness of this natural process and to remove any lingering taboos around it.
Since the menopausal transition is such an individual and elongated process, tailored treatments such as those used in acupuncture may provide significant benefits.
Various studies have shown that acupuncture may offer relief from some of the most common menopausal symptoms. However, it is currently under-utilised in clinical practice.
Vasomotor symptoms (VMS), including hot flashes and night sweats, are among the most common issues menopausal women experience. They affect approximately 70% of women in Western cultures. VMS are also one of the best-studied areas with regard to acupuncture and menopause.
In terms of VMS, studies have suggested that acupuncture influences the release of beta-endorphins. These neurochemicals are thought to be involved in the pathophysiology of VMS, although this is still not clearly understood.
Acupuncture also appears to influence cortisol, cortisol metabolites, and DHEA levels. Cortisol levels tend to increase following menopause, contributing to changes in mood, metabolism, bone density, and cognitive decline. It is, therefore, possible that the same underlying mechanisms play a role in the treatment of VMS, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, abdominal obesity, osteoporosis, and dementia.
Read the full evidence summary Acupuncture For Menopausal Symptoms @ https://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/acupuncture-menopause/