![Acupuncture for Menopausal Syndrome & Hot Flushes](/pages/conditions/images/menopause.jpg)
Acupuncture for Menopausal Syndrome & Hot Flushes.
The majority of women will enter menopause in their early 50s and may experience menopause symptoms for 4-5 years on average.
The most prominent symptom of menopause is hot flushes, which affect around 75% of menopausal women. Other menopausal syndrome symptoms include night sweats, emotional vulnerability, sleep disturbances, fatigue, cognitive changes, joint pain, vaginal dryness and loss of sexual desire.
Experiencing strong menopause symptoms can greatly affect a woman's quality of life, relationships, work productivity and her use of health services.
What is our clinical experience?
Based on feedback collected from over 523 initial appointments for Menopause Symptoms, 86% of our patients reported improved quality of life after their first 5 appointments. See our detailed benchmarking statistics.
Initial
Consults
523
Average
Appointments
5
Improved
Quality of Life
86%
Refer Family &
Friends
94%
What does the research say?
The following insights are obtained from systematic reviews and analysis of clinical trials investigating the efficacy of Chinese medicine and acupuncture for menopausal syndrome & hot flushes.
2021 Acupuncture in Medicine
Acupuncture's potential in reducing menopausal hot flush frequency compared to sham acupuncture, and its similarity in impacting hormone levels to hormone therapy.
This study aimed to assess acupuncture's effectiveness and safety in treating menopausal hot flushes and its impact on hormone levels. Through meta-analyses of thirteen randomized controlled trials involving 1784 patients, it found that acupuncture reduced hot flush frequency compared to sham acupuncture, but didn't affect end scores of frequency or severity. Acupuncture demonstrated hormone level effects similar to hormone therapy. However, due to limited trial quality and quantity, further high-quality trials are necessary for definitive conclusions.
Effect of acupuncture on menopausal hot flushes and serum hormone levels: a systematic review and meta-analysis Liu C, Wang Z, Guo T, Zhuang L, Gao X
2021 International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Isoflavones found in soybeans can reduce risks of certain cancers and alleviate menopause-related symptoms among women, such as vasomotor syndromes, spinal bone loss, and hypertension.
The study overviewed soybeans' chemical composition and focused mainly on isoflavones. The research examined the processes of soybean preparation that includes cleaning, drying, crushing, and dehulling, and extraction methods to derive various soy products, particularly focusing on isoflavones - daidzein, genistein, and S-equol. Various soy products such as refined soy oil, soy lecithin, free fatty acids, glycerol, and soybean meal were discussed, along with the presence of the minor biological constituents in remaining components.
The study explored the relationship between isoflavone consumption and disease prevention, particularly in relation to heart disease, cancer incidence—of the breast, bladder, and endometrial and colorectal—and menopause-related symptoms. The therapeutic effects of isoflavones were studied in the context of vasomotor syndromes, spinal bone loss, hypertension regulation, depressive symptoms during pregnancy, and in vitro glycemic control. In contrast, it failed to find definitive effects of isoflavones on cognition improvement and urogenital symptoms. The inconsistencies in defining the ingredients, doses, study durations, and outcomes of isoflavone studies proved challenging for the research.
Utilization of Isoflavones in Soybeans for Women with Menopausal Syndrome: An Overview Chen LR, Chen KH
2021 International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Isoflavones found in soybeans can reduce risks of certain cancers and alleviate menopause-related symptoms among women, such as vasomotor syndromes, spinal bone loss, and hypertension.
The study overviewed soybeans' chemical composition and focused mainly on isoflavones. The research examined the processes of soybean preparation that includes cleaning, drying, crushing, and dehulling, and extraction methods to derive various soy products, particularly focusing on isoflavones - daidzein, genistein, and S-equol. Various soy products such as refined soy oil, soy lecithin, free fatty acids, glycerol, and soybean meal were discussed, along with the presence of the minor biological constituents in remaining components.
The study explored the relationship between isoflavone consumption and disease prevention, particularly in relation to heart disease, cancer incidence—of the breast, bladder, and endometrial and colorectal—and menopause-related symptoms. The therapeutic effects of isoflavones were studied in the context of vasomotor syndromes, spinal bone loss, hypertension regulation, depressive symptoms during pregnancy, and in vitro glycemic control. In contrast, it failed to find definitive effects of isoflavones on cognition improvement and urogenital symptoms. The inconsistencies in defining the ingredients, doses, study durations, and outcomes of isoflavone studies proved challenging for the research.
Utilization of Isoflavones in Soybeans for Women with Menopausal Syndrome: An Overview Chen LR, Chen KH
2017 PLOS One
Acupuncture is non-inferior to hormone therapy or other applied relaxation therapies in alleviating the symptoms of menopause for its safety, non-invasive and especially considering the side effect of hormone therapy.
This meta-analysis of women with breast cancer confirms that acupuncture had no significant effect on the severity of hot flush, but did significantly alleviate the symptoms of menopause. We conclude that acupuncture is non-inferior to hormone therapy or other applied relaxation therapies in alleviating the symptoms of menopause for its safety, non-invasive and especially considering the side effect of hormone therapy. Recent studies show that use of acupuncture does not correlate with increased levels of plasma estradiol. Considering the safety and lack of serious adverse effects associated with acupuncture, in contrast to hormone therapy, acupuncture should be considered for treating hot flush and menopause syndrome in women with breast cancer.
Effect of acupuncture on hot flush and menopause symptoms in breast cancer- A systematic review and meta-analysis Chien TJ, Hsu CH, Liu CY, Fang CJ.
2017 Complementary Medicine Research
Both the total score and the subgroup analysis strongly indicated that acupuncture can alleviate menopause-related symptoms.
Six studies were included. Our analysis found that acupuncture can reduce the MRS score in menopausal women by the end of the treating period (2-3 months, on average) and even in the follow-up period (1-3 months), not only in the total score but also in each subscale score. But the grade of evidence is very low.
Both the total score and the subgroup analysis strongly indicated that acupuncture can alleviate menopause-related symptoms. However, the evidence is not very strong. Thus, further studies about the efficiency of acupuncture on menopausal symptoms based on well-designed trials are needed.
Acupuncture May Improve Quality of Life in Menopausal Women: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Li W, Luo Y, Fu W, Lei R.
2016 Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem
The study's analysis of 272 articles comparing Traditional Chinese Acupuncture (TCA) and Sham Acupuncture (SA) for managing hot flashes in menopausal breast cancer patients indicates that while 3 studies leaned towards TCA's effectiveness, 2 showed both interventions to be beneficial.
The study encompassed the analysis of 272 articles from five selected databases, resulting in the inclusion of five manuscripts meeting the eligibility criteria. The primary focus was on comparing the efficacy of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture (TCA) to Sham Acupuncture (SA) in managing hot flashes among menopausal women with breast cancer. Among the selected studies, three indicated that TCA was more effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of hot flashes, while two found both interventions to be beneficial, though not significantly distinct. These studies exhibited considerable diversity in their designs, sample sizes, treatment durations, and acupuncture protocols. TCA appeared to hold promise in mitigating hot flashes, yet several methodological limitations and potential biases within the reviewed studies were noted. Consequently, there's a call for further comprehensive, large-scale, and long-term trials to elucidate TCA's true potential and overcome the limitations observed in the current body of research.
Effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture versus Sham Acupuncture: a Systematic Review Carlos, LuÃs et al.
2016 Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics
Acupuncture appears to be a potentially effective treatment for reducing hot flashes in women diagnosed with breast cancer.
In this systematic review, seven extensive databases including internationally recognized sources like PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were searched without any language restrictions to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the impacts of acupuncture on hot flashes in women with breast cancer. The timeframe of these searches spanned from the inception of each database to June 2015.
The results of the 12 identified RCTs suggested an overall potential therapeutic effect of acupuncture on hot flashes in women with breast cancer. Notably, out of these, three studies highlighted a significant difference compared with control groups while one showed encouraging trends. Six studies suggested no notable difference between acupuncture and control treatments. A further two trials revealed negative results when compared to hormone therapy. A meta-analysis of the results also suggested differences in the number of hot flashes post-treatment and during subsequent follow-ups compared with control groups. In three trials, Kupperman index scores were reported, indicating a significant difference between acupuncture and controls after treatment and during follow-up. However, due to the overall relatively small number and inconsistent quality of the reviewed studies, these results should be interpreted with caution.
Acupuncture for hot flashes in women with breast cancer: A systematic review Chen YP, Liu T, Peng YY, Wang YP, Chen H, Fan YF, Zhang L
2015 Menopause
Acupuncture improves hot flash frequency and severity, menopause-related symptoms, and quality of life (in the vasomotor domain) in women experiencing natural menopause.
Of 104 relevant studies, 12 studies with 869 participants met the inclusion criteria and were included in this study. We found that acupuncture significantly reduced the frequency and severity of hot flashes. Acupuncture significantly decreased the psychological, somatic, and urogenital subscale scores on the Menopause Rating Scale. Acupuncture improved the vasomotor subscale score on the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire. Long-term effects (up to 3 mo) on hot flash frequency and severity were found.
This meta-analysis confirms that acupuncture improves hot flash frequency and severity, menopause-related symptoms, and quality of life (in the vasomotor domain) in women experiencing natural menopause.
Effects of acupuncture on menopause-related symptoms and quality of life in women in natural menopause: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials Chiu HY, Pan CH, Shyu YK, Han BC, Tsai PS.
2011 Climacteric
Pumpkin seed oil supplementation may increase good cholesterol levels, lower diastolic blood pressure, and alleviate menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women.
In this pilot study employing a randomized, double-blinded and placebo-controlled design, 35 women that were either naturally menopausal or had prematurely entered menopause due to benign surgical intervention partook. Over the span of 12 weeks, participants received either pumpkin seed oil or wheat germ oil (serving as the placebo) at a dosage of 2 grams daily. Measurements of serum lipids, fasting plasma glucose, blood pressure and completion of a questionnaire regarding menopausal symptoms were taken before and after the supplementation period, and changes across these factors were evaluated.
Following supplementation, women who received pumpkin seed oil displayed increased concentrations of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (commonly known as good cholesterol) and a reduction in diastolic blood pressure. Additionally, there was a notable decline in the severity of menopausal symptoms, including hot flushes, headaches, and joint pain, thanks to this supplementation. Contrarily, symptoms of depression and feelings of being unloved heightened among women in the group that received wheat germ oil.
Improvement in HDL cholesterol in postmenopausal women supplemented with pumpkin seed oil: pilot study Gossell-Williams M, Hyde C, Hunter T, Simms-Stewart D, Fletcher H, McGrowder D, Walters CA
Consult with our practitioners for personalised care and advice.
Although well-conducted clinical research can help members of the public to make better-informed decisions about their healthcare, we cannot claim that any particular treatment may be effective for any individual person.
When you consult with our Chinese medicine practitioners, you'll receive personalised advice and treatment based on your symptoms and Chinese medicine diagnosis.
Scientific References
Browse our collection of scientific clinical research on acupuncture for menopausal syndrome & hot flushes.
It includes recent and reputable papers published by peer-reviewed journals within the last 10 years.
![Acupuncture in Medicine Acupuncture in Medicine](https://clinix.io/research/journal-covers/journal-2.png)
2021, Dec 13
Effect of acupuncture on menopausal hot flushes and serum hormone levels: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Acupuncture in Medicine British Medical Acupuncture Society
Acupuncture may not decrease hot flush frequency, but yet appears to have similar effects on serum hormone levels as HT, that is, increased E2 and decreased FSH and LH. Considering that no firm conclusions could be drawn due to the low quality and limited number of included trials included, further high-quality RCTs need to be conducted.
Liu C, Wang Z, Guo T, Zhuang L, Gao X Full Article
![International Journal of Molecular Sciences International Journal of Molecular Sciences](https://clinix.io/research/journal-covers/journal-177.png)
2021, Mar 22
Utilization of Isoflavones in Soybeans for Women with Menopausal Syndrome: An Overview
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Higher isoflavone intake is associated with a moderately lower risk of coronary heart disease, reduced risks of breast, colorectal, endometrial, and bladder cancer, as well as alleviation of vasomotor syndromes, bone loss, hypertension, and in vitro glycemic control. However, isoflavones have not shown definitive effects on improving cognition and urogenital symptoms.
Chen LR, Chen KH Full Article
![PLOS One PLOS One](https://clinix.io/research/journal-covers/journal-24.png)
2017, Aug 22
Effect of acupuncture on hot flush and menopause symptoms in breast cancer- A systematic review and meta-analysis
PLOS One Public Library of Science
Acupuncture significantly alleviated menopause symptoms, but had no effect on hot flush. Breast cancer patients concerned about the adverse effects of hormone therapy should consider acupuncture. Further large-scale studies that also measure biomarkers or cytokines may help to elucidate the mechanism by which acupuncture alleviates menopause symptoms in patients with breast cancer.
Chien TJ, Hsu CH, Liu CY, Fang CJ. Full Article
![Complementary Medicine Research Complementary Medicine Research](https://clinix.io/research/journal-covers/journal-60.png)
2017, Oct 12
Acupuncture May Improve Quality of Life in Menopausal Women: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Complementary Medicine Research
Both the total score and the subgroup analysis strongly indicated that acupuncture can alleviate menopause-related symptoms. However, the evidence is not very strong. Thus, further studies about the efficiency of acupuncture on menopausal symptoms based on well-designed trials are needed.
Li W, Luo Y, Fu W, Lei R. Full Article
![Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem](https://clinix.io/research/journal-covers/journal-244.png)
2016, Aug 15
Effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture versus Sham Acupuncture: a Systematic Review
Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem University of Sao Paulo at Ribeirao Preto College of Nursing
The evidence gathered was not sufficient to affirm the effectiveness of traditional acupuncture compared with sham acupuncture.
Carlos, LuÃs et al. Full Article
![Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics](https://clinix.io/research/journal-covers/journal-3.png)
2016, Jul 25
Acupuncture for hot flashes in women with breast cancer: A systematic review
Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics Association of Radiation Oncologists of India
Acupuncture seems to be an effective therapy for HFs in women with BC; however, there was insufficient evidence to support the efficacy of acupuncture. However, the results should be interpreted cautiously, because of the poor quality and small number of included studies.
Chen YP, Liu T, Peng YY, Wang YP, Chen H, Fan YF, Zhang L Full Article
![Menopause Menopause](https://clinix.io/research/journal-covers/journal-115.png)
2015, Feb
Effects of acupuncture on menopause-related symptoms and quality of life in women in natural menopause: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Menopause The North American Menopause Society
This meta-analysis confirms that acupuncture improves hot flash frequency and severity, menopause-related symptoms, and quality of life (in the vasomotor domain) in women experiencing natural menopause.
Chiu HY, Pan CH, Shyu YK, Han BC, Tsai PS. Full Article
![Climacteric Climacteric](https://clinix.io/research/journal-covers/journal-218.png)
2011, May 05
Improvement in HDL cholesterol in postmenopausal women supplemented with pumpkin seed oil: pilot study
Climacteric International Menopause Society
The study concludes that postmenopausal women receiving pumpkin seed oil experienced a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations, a decrease in diastolic blood pressure, and an improvement in menopausal symptom scores, particularly a reduction in the severity of hot flushes, headaches, and joint pains. In contrast, women in the placebo group (receiving wheat germ oil) reported feeling more depressed and having more unloved feelings. This pilot study provides strong evidence supporting the need for further research on the benefits of pumpkin seed oil for postmenopausal women.
Gossell-Williams M, Hyde C, Hunter T, Simms-Stewart D, Fletcher H, McGrowder D, Walters CA Full Article
![Yin Tang]( /images/acupuncture-yintang.jpg)
“It is by virtue of the twelve channels that human life exists, that disease arises, that human beings can be treated and illness cured. The twelve channels are where beginners start and masters end.” The Classic of Acupuncture
Circa 1st Century BCE