Menopause and perimenopause are natural stages of life caused by changing hormone levels. Symptoms vary and may include changes to periods, hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbance, mood changes, anxiety, brain fog, headaches, joint discomfort and vaginal or urinary symptoms.
Symptoms can affect work, relationships, confidence and everyday wellbeing. They may begin before periods stop and can continue for some time afterwards.
During treatment, Jamie considers the symptoms that matter most, their timing and impact, sleep, stress, energy, digestion, menstrual changes, medication and wider health.
Established treatment options include hormone replacement therapy where suitable, non-hormonal medicines, cognitive behavioural therapy and lifestyle support. Acupuncture should complement rather than replace appropriate medical advice.
Chinese medicine uses an individual diagnosis rather than treating everybody experiencing menopause symptoms in the same way. Treatment is adapted according to symptoms, health history and wider presentation.
Jamie combines more than 20 years of clinical experience with detailed pulse diagnosis. Treatment response is reviewed over time, and no fixed outcome can be promised.
The first appointment provides time to discuss symptoms, menstrual changes, sleep, mood, energy, medication and medical care. It includes an individual Chinese medicine assessment and, where appropriate, your first acupuncture treatment.
Menopause and perimenopause connect naturally with the Wellbeing and Health Pathway, considering sleep, stress, nourishment, activity and wider health together.
Acupuncture research concerning menopause symptoms is mixed, and the British Acupuncture Council currently has no dedicated menopause fact sheet in its Evidence A-Z. Decisions about acupuncture should consider the individual's symptoms, preferences and medical care.
Further reading:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause-and-perimenopause/
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23
https://acupuncture.org.uk/about-acupuncture/acupuncture-research/evidence-a-z/
Speak to a GP or appropriate healthcare professional for help with menopause symptoms, particularly when symptoms affect everyday life or occur earlier than expected. Any bleeding after menopause should be medically assessed.
If menopause or perimenopause symptoms are affecting everyday life, a first appointment gives us time to discuss whether acupuncture may be a suitable part of your wider care.