Hot flushes are among the most common symptoms of the perimenopause and the menopause. A sudden feeling of heat, flushing of the face, excessive sweating, waking at night… these symptoms can have a significant impact on quality of life.
Faced with this discomfort, many women look for complementary solutions to live through this hormonal transition more easily. Acupuncture is frequently used to support the menopause and its symptoms.
Why do hot flushes occur during the menopause?
Hot flushes are mainly linked to the hormonal changes that occur during the perimenopause and the menopause.
The gradual decline of certain hormones affects the mechanisms that regulate body temperature.
Symptoms can include:
- A sudden feeling of heat
- Flushing of the face and neck
- Heavy sweating
- Night sweats
- Frequent waking
- Fatigue linked to disturbed sleep
Intensity and frequency vary considerably from one woman to another.
How does acupuncture view hot flushes?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, hot flushes are not considered an isolated symptom.
The practitioner looks at all the symptoms present:
- Sleep quality
- Level of fatigue
- Emotional state
- Digestion
- Menstrual cycle, if still present
- Other menopause symptoms
The aim is to carry out an overall assessment in order to adapt the treatment to each woman.
Why consult an acupuncturist during the menopause?
Women frequently consult for:
- Hot flushes
- Night sweats
- Sleep disorders
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
- Feeling hot at night
- Discomfort linked to the perimenopause
Each treatment is individualised and takes into account each patient’s own symptoms.
Acupuncture and sleep: a frequent pairing
Night-time hot flushes are often responsible for repeated waking.
Many women report that it is above all the sleep disorders and accumulated fatigue that affect their daily lives.
Acupuncture is frequently included in a holistic approach aimed at supporting the various symptoms associated with the menopause.
When should you consult for hot flushes?
There is no need to wait until the symptoms become severe.
Some women consult from the first signs of the perimenopause:
- Irregular cycles
- First hot flushes
- Sleep disorders
- Unusual fatigue
Others consult several years after the symptoms began.
Support can be started at any stage of the menopausal transition.
How many sessions are needed?
The number of sessions depends on several factors:
- How long the symptoms have been present
- Their frequency
- Their intensity
- The patient’s general condition
Regular follow-up is often suggested at the start of treatment in order to adapt it to how the symptoms change.
A holistic approach to the menopause
The menopause is a natural physiological stage in a woman’s life.
Acupuncture looks not only at hot flushes but also at all the changes that may accompany this period:
- Sleep
- Energy
- Stress
- Mood
- General comfort
This overall view is one of the fundamental principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Conclusion
Hot flushes can have a significant impact on daily life, particularly when they come with sleep disorders and fatigue. Acupuncture is frequently used to support the menopause, offering a personalised approach that takes into account all the symptoms and each woman’s experience.
FAQ: acupuncture and hot flushes
Can acupuncture be used for hot flushes?
Yes. Many women consult an acupuncturist for support with hot flushes and the other symptoms associated with the menopause.
From what age can you consult for hot flushes?
The first hot flushes can appear as early as the perimenopause. You can consult as soon as the first symptoms appear.
How many acupuncture sessions are needed for hot flushes?
The number of sessions depends on each woman, on how long the symptoms have been present and on how they change.
Can you consult for night sweats?
Yes. Night sweats are among the common reasons for consulting during the perimenopause and the menopause.
Can acupuncture support sleep disorders linked to the menopause?
Many women consult for a set of symptoms that includes hot flushes, waking at night and fatigue.
Can you have acupuncture if you are taking hormone treatment?
Yes. Acupuncture is a complementary approach that can be included in the medical follow-up of the menopause.
When should you start acupuncture for the menopause?
You can consult from the first signs of the perimenopause or at any point in the menopausal transition.
Can acupuncture help you live through the perimenopause more easily?
Many women consult during this period for support with hormonal changes, sleep disorders, mood swings and hot flushes.