/ Health Concerns / Women's Health

Menopausal Hot Flushes

Basics

Menopause marks a transitional phase in a woman's life, characterized by significant hormonal changes that impact the menstrual cycle and various bodily functions. Typically, women begin to experience menopausal symptoms in their late 40s to early 50s. Common symptoms include hot flashes, sleep disturbances, irregularities in menstrual flow, vaginal dryness, and mood fluctuations. Menopause is officially recognized after a woman has gone a full year without a menstrual period.

Diagnostic Patterns

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the treatment of menopause, particularly hot flashes, focuses on identifying the individual's specific diagnostic pattern. This personalized approach guides the treatment strategy rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all method. Common patterns associated with hot flashes include Kidney Essence Deficiency and Kidney Yin Deficiency. Commonly used herbal formulas include Er Xian Tang, Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, and Suan Zao Ren Tang.

Acupuncture has been shown to effectively reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes, alleviate menopause-related symptoms, and enhance quality of life, particularly in the vasomotor domain during natural menopause (Chiu 2015 – Meta-analysis of 12 studies). The findings indicate promising outcomes for acupuncture as a treatment option during this transitional period.