Even though menopause is a natural rite of life, it does arrive with a range of uncomfortable symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, mood changes, weight gain, reduced libido, vaginal dryness and aches and pains. There is evidence that acupuncture can significantly reduce the symptoms and Jonathan Olcott, the principal acupuncturist at San Luis Obispo’s Intuitive Acupuncture, recently compiled the evidence that explains how and why.

Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause when women stop menstruating. It is actually during perimenopause when women experience uncomfortable symptoms. The average age for perimenopause starts around 51 years of age, but some women begin reporting symptoms in their mid-30s. Perimenopause symptoms are caused as the body decreases the production of estrogen and increases the production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The hormones progesterone, testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) also have a role. All of these hormones fluctuate during perimenopause, eventually influencing ovulation and menstruation. A woman is considered to be in menopause when she has not menstruated for 12 consecutive months, after which she is postmenopausal. The body continues to produce estrogen, progesterone and testosterone in lower levels and the balance of these (and other) hormones is important to postmenopausal women’s health.

The San Luis Obispo acupuncture team recently released a summary of the science supporting acupuncture in which “Acupuncture: An Overview of Scientific Evidence,” was cited. This study reports the results of a number of science-based studies about the effectiveness of acupuncture, demonstrating that acupuncture can directly initiate a process called purinergic signaling, a primitive signaling system in the body that communicates with and regulates all the tissues and organs in the body. The report, “Purinergic signaling in the reproductive system in health and disease,” by Geoffrey Burnstock established that “purinergic signaling is involved in hormone secretion.”

By influencing purinergic signaling, acupuncture can help the body balance the release and distribution of hormones, neuropeptides and other neurotransmitters. The body becomes more balanced and the endocrine, limbic, nervous system, and brain function at a healthier level.

Not only is acupuncture an important therapy during perimenopause, but it also remains so after menopause. As we age the balance of hormones remains important for bone health, organ health, vitality and overall well-being.

Acupuncture is also a valuable therapy for other areas of women’s health, including:

• Menstrual issues for alleviating cramps, headaches, inflammation, irregular cycles, postmenstrual syndrome and other discomforts.
• Endometriosis.
• Infertility.
• Pregnancy and postpartum support.
• Osteoporosis.
• And more.

Intuitive Acupuncture of San Luis Obispo takes an integrative, holistic, patient-centered approach to health and well-being. A basic principle of acupuncture is that when one part of the body is not functioning well, the entire being is affected. The integrative approach treats the entire person. Each individual’s circumstances are unique and the holistic approach respects that uniqueness, placing each patient at the center of their care.  

Call today to learn more about how acupuncture and the full services of Intuitive Acupuncture can help you.