‘Menopause’ is medically defined as just one day, the point in time 12 months after your last period. The period of time prior to this day is peri-menoapuse, when you may experience changes to your menstrual cycle and/or the onset or growing severity and frequency of unpleasant physical and psychological symptoms.
The period of time following this day is referred to as post-menopause and symptoms can both change and continue. It can be confusing as in the UK we often tend to refer to the complete transition while symptoms are being experienced as ‘menopause’.
This menopausal transition most often starts around age 45, with the average age of ceasing periods for 12 months being 51, symptoms being triggered by the change in production of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone produced by the ovaries.
Menopause may also be triggered by a hysterectomy, surgical removal of the ovaries, or medical treatment, for example chemotherapy.
Acupuncture for Menopause
Research indicates that acupuncture may significantly reduce the occurrence of hot flushes and sudden sweating for women experiencing peri-menopause or menopause symptoms.
In addition to these symptoms, acupuncture may also assist in reducing feelings of depression related to menopause, difficulty sleeping, tightness in chest and irritability.
Acupuncture offers a pain free treatment with little to no side effects, compared to alternative treatment options.
The 34 symptoms of Menopause
Common symptoms can by both physical and psychological. For example:
Brain Fog, Aches & Pains, Hot Flushes, Insomnia, Low Energy, Vaginal Dryness, Loss of Libido, Weight Gain, Mood Swings, Anxiety.
Know when to seek help
While we are often told these experiences are ‘normal’ if you are experiencing any of the following you may want to book an appointment to understand how we may support you in managing these symptoms.
We believe that no women should settle for any of these symptoms. Your sex life deserves to be thriving at every age. Your mood deserves to be high. And fatigue can be left at the door. You are more than the sum of your symptoms.
Your Menopause Treatment Pathway
STEP 2
Initial Consultation + Treatment
A 90-minute appointment where our Clinic Director Kimberley will listen to your story, review your personal and family medical history, any test and investigation results, understand your goals, and begin your acupuncture treatment.
STEP 3
Personalised Plan
Together, we’ll decide whether you’d benefit most from acupuncture-only care, extra support alongside acupuncture, or our most comprehensive programme with nutrition included for a full, 360 support programme, in order to give you the best chance to thrive.
3 Levels of Support
Acupuncture-Only. For those who just want treatment without the extras. Perfect if you’re already working with other practitioners or consultants. £75 per session or £560 for a package of 8 treatments. Recommended as a course over several weeks or months.
Bloom & Balance Packages. For those who want or require extra guidance and support beyond the treatment room.
Bloom (Fertility): Designed for couples or individuals trying to conceive.
Balance (Women’s Health): Focused on menstrual and hormonal health, at any life stage.
What’s included:
Acupuncture sessions tailored to your cycle
Advice on hormone or functional testing, and help reviewing results
GP referral letters where needed
Links to trusted specialists and discounts on private testing
Educational resources and ongoing support between treatments
Flow Package. For those who want the most comprehensive support.
This includes everything in the Bloom & Balance packages PLUS:
Fertility Nutritional Therapy sessions for personalised nutrition, lifestyle and supplement guidance
A complete plan that connects acupuncture, food, supplements, and lifestyle to give your body the best chance to thrive
HRT + Self care to support you through your menopause
This time in a woman’s life can also be full of other challenges too… Women are working for longer, taking on new responsibilities, looking after ageing parents, supporting children as they move into adulthood and become independent, so much is happening during mid-life adding to our external stress. These additional stressors contribute towards the severity and frequency of unpleasant symptoms.
With the natural drop in hormones comes an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, dementia and deterioration of bone strength. HRT helps delay these risks yet it isn’t suitable for everyone and risks and benefits should always be discussed with your GP.
Whether HRT is a choice for you or not, embracing self-care for this period of life with appropriate nutrition and lifestyle changes will ensure a smoother transition through menopause, reduce or banish symptoms with the additional bonus of creating optimum health BEYOND menopause.
Taking your health into your own hands
Want to regain some element of control over your health and hormones during this turbulant time? We hear you!
At Life + Lemons, we are here to tell you that there can be a new state of normal and you do not need to suffer in silence. Our intention is to help you reconnect with your body and coach or administer natural ways to support your mind and body so you can thrive through your “second spring”.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this stage in your life is a time to be revered. This is when you are entering your highest wisdom as a woman.
This is why at our clinic we celebrate women transitioning through menopause and you will leave feeling supported, understood and at home in your body again.
Natural Relief from Menopause symptoms
We tailor treatments according to your unique biological constitution, so that you can flow through your “Second Spring” and into the next phase of life with ease.
Our clinic harnesses the ancient healing wisdom of Chinese Medicine, combined with a “root cause” functional medicine approach.
Based on the depth of support and guidance you need and require, your plan may include acupuncture-only or encompass the support of other healing techniques from our trusted practitioners to guide you through this transition with grace.
Ready to explore what’s possible?
Acupuncture for Menopause
FAQs
We’ve included below answers to the most common questions we receive from our patients. If you still have questions, please get in touch via email at [email protected].
What is acupuncture for menopause?
Acupuncture is a gentle therapy rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body to restore balance, calm the nervous system, and support hormone regulation. During menopause, acupuncture is used to ease symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, sleep issues, and mood changes, while promoting overall wellbeing.
Supporting Study: A study found that a course of acupuncture was associated with significant reductions in vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes/night sweats) and improvements in sleep and quality of life, with benefits persisting for at least 6 months after treatment (source: Acupuncture in Menopause (AIM)).
Can acupuncture help with hot flashes and night sweats?
Yes, several published studies have shown that acupuncture can reduce both the frequency and severity of hot flashes and night sweats (vasomotor symptoms). Many women report improvements after a short course of treatment, with benefits that can last for several months.
Supporting Study: The ACUFLASH study followed over 250 menopausal women and found that those receiving acupuncture had clinically significant reductions in hot flushes and night sweats, along with improved sleep and quality of life, compared with controls (source: The Acupuncture on Hot Flushes Among Menopausal Women (ACUFLASH) study).
Can acupuncture improve mood, sleep, or anxiety during menopause?
Yes, acupuncture can help balance the nervous system, reduce stress hormones, and promote better sleep. Many women report feeling calmer, sleeping more deeply, and experiencing fewer mood swings after regular treatments.
Supporting Study: A meta-analysis published in PLOS ONE found that acupuncture significantly improved sleep quality, sleep duration, and overall wellbeing in menopausal women compared to placebo or no treatment (source: Acupuncture as an independent or adjuvant therapy to standard management for menopausal insomnia).
