The most common complaint in menopause, hot flashes (and the dreaded night sweats) are experienced by 80% of women. For at least half of women these symptoms can last 7 to 10 years (years!!) and impact sleep, mood, comfort and quality of life.
There are many excellent treatments for hot flashes, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, black cohosh, chaste berry, phytoestrogens and others, but acupuncture has been found in studies to be another excellent choice for women.
Acupuncture for Hot Flashes
Studies in the past 10 years have found that women with mild to moderate hot flashes and night sweats, acupuncture administered weekly can reduce the frequency of hot flashes by half (and for some women there was a nearly 90% reduction!) Compared to women who did not have acupuncture, who reported only a 10% reduction over the 8 week study, acupuncture was a very successful intervention.
How Acupuncture Works
While we don’t know all of the reasons acupuncture works so well, many researchers think that it may be due to the impact on the hypothalamus – the master regulator of our body temperature. Acupuncture has also been found to promote blood vessel dilation, increase the release of different pain-reducing endorphins, and balance the production of stress and reproductive hormones.
Why Acupuncture?
For women looking for a low risk intervention, with virtually no side effects, acupuncture can be an ideal option. Acupuncture is also very cost effective, especially for women with health care insurance coverage.
You will know within 4-6 weeks whether acupuncture is going to benefit your hot flashes. And if acupuncture is effective for you the great news is that it may continue to be effective even after you are done your sessions. One study found that the benefits seen 6 months of treatment was still providing benefit 6 months later.
If you are experiencing hot flashes or night sweats, book in today to discuss with Dr. Lisa whether acupuncture is the solution you have been looking for.
Select References
Avis NE, et al. Acupuncture in Menopause (AIM) study: a pragmatic, randomized controlled trial. Menopause: June 2016;23(6):626-637
De Valois BA, et al. Using traditional acupuncture for breast cancer-related hot flashes and night sweats. J Alt Comp Med. 2010;16(10):1047-1057
Disclaimer
The advice provided in this article is for informational purposes only. It is meant to augment and not replace consultation with a licensed health care provider. Consultation with a Naturopathic Doctor or other primary care provider is recommended for anyone suffering from a health problem.
