Chinese herbs and Acupuncture for menopausal symptoms

Menopause is a natural process which all women face; it can be challenging right of passage and at times an uncomfortable process for many women. Many women complain of Insomnia, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, irritability, depression, low sex drive, bone loss, hair loss, increased blood pressure, increased body weight and many other disorders which are associated with menopause. Although menopause is a natural process and can not be prevented, however by getting regular acupuncture treatments and Chinese herbs intake, we can ensure a smoother transition to post menopausal period. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can be an effective treatment for menopausal problems. Many studies have shown that acupuncture and herbs can regulate hormones especially follicular stimulating hormones (FSH), and increase estrogen level; therefore, reducing menopausal symptoms. In one study, 32 post menopausal women with menopausal symptoms were enrolled in a clinical study, they were given Chinese herbal formula for 6 months, were assessed for reduction of their overall symptoms using Greene’s Climacteric Scale and Visual Analog Scale. Plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6), soluble IL-6 receptor, tumor necrosis factor-a, granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone concentrations were measured before and 6 months after Chinese herbs administration. The result indicated that there was a significant decrease in the climacteric scale score and visual analogue scale after 6 months of herbal treatment. There was significant increase in plasma GM-CSF levels and a significant decrease in plasma FSH levels after 6 months of herbal administration (1). Another study, measured the effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine for reducing premenopausal depression. After 12 weeks of treatment with Chinese herbs, patients reported lower scale of depression according to Hamilton Depression Scale, lower FSH level and increased estrogen level (2). At Acuwellness, we offer Acupuncture and high quality Chinese herbs, nutritional consultation and supplements to help you with menopausal symptoms and depression. Refrences: 1. Ushiroyama, T. Yoshida, S. & Tadaki, K. (2004). A pilot study of a Kampo formula, EH0202, with intriguing results for menopausal symptoms. The journal of alternative and complementary medicine, 10(2), 397-99. 2. Qu, F. Cai, X. & Gu, Y. (2009). Chinese Medicinal herbs in relieving perimenopausal depression: A randomized, controlled trial. The journal of Alternative and complementary medicine, 15(1), 93-100.