ACUPUNCTURE FOR PERIMENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS
IF YOU ARE NAVIGATING MOOD SHIFTS, CHANGES IN YOUR PERIOD, DISTRUPTED SLEEP, OR PHYSICAL DISCOMFORT, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. PERIMENOPAUSE IS A PROFOUND TRANSITION, AND AT VESSEL ACUPUNCTURE & CHINESE MEDICINE IN BRISBANE, WE SUPPORT YOU WITH CAMPASSIONATE, EVIDENCE-INFORMED CARE, GUIDED BY ANCIENT WISDOM.
Perimenopause, the transition leading to menopause, can begin as early as the mid-30s. These transitional years offer a golden opportunity to make changes that will positively shape your future.
Perimenopause can bring a range of challenges or symptoms that can affect your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. At Vessel, we support you through this transformative phase with Acupuncture, a practice grounded in the ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and backed by modern evidence.
EVIDENCE FOR ACUPUNCTURE & PERIMENOPAUSE
Evidence demonstrates that Acupuncture may help ease a range of perimenopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes, sleep disturbances, heart palpitations, night sweats, mood changes like depression and anxiety, cognitive changes, urogenital discomfort, and even bone density concerns (1).
A recent (2025) meta-analysis and systematic review of randomised controlled trials (considered the highest level of evidence) determined that there was “high quality” evidence of “positive effect” for Acupuncture in addressing menopause symptoms. The researchers suggested that Acupuncture should be used for menopause symptoms in a clinical setting (2).
In Chinese medicine, menopause is known as the 'Second Spring'. It represents the renewal of energy and opportunities as the focus shifts from fertility and reproduction to conserving and nourishing oneself.
At Vessel Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine, we recognise that every person’s experience of perimenopause is different, and we tailor your treatments to meet your unique needs.
After your first appointment, you receive a comprehensive treatment plan outlining the frequency of treatments and the duration of time we expect to need to see lasting changes.
You can read more about how we approach treatment plans here.
A CHINESE MEDICINE PERSPECTIVE ON MENOPAUSE, THE SECOND SPRING
In Chinese medicine, menopause is known as the 'Second Spring'. It represents the renewal of energy and opportunities as the focus shifts from fertility and reproduction to conserving and nourishing oneself. The body no longer focuses on creating and nurturing a new life, but can instead focus that energy inwardly. Evidence shows that nurturing a positive and empowered mindset around menopause can impact how we experience the transition.
HOW ACUPUNCTURE SUPPORTS YOU THROUGH PERIMENOPAUSE
Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points in the body to restore the smooth flow of Qi (energy) and support hormonal balance. In TCM, discomfort in perimenopause is often linked to imbalances in the Yin and Yang as well as Qi stagnation and Blood deficiency. By addressing these imbalances, acupuncture can help to:
Regulate hormones: Acupuncture engages with the HPA axis, which regulates hormones. Greater hormonal balance may reduce hot flashes, night sweats, stress, depression, and anxiety.
Boost energy and improve sleep: By harmonising the body’s internal systems through various physiological mechanisms, acupuncture supports deeper rest and may help to revitalise energy levels and mental clarity.
Stress, depression and anxiety: The calming effects of acupuncture may reduce the emotional strain of perimenopause, promoting mental clarity and emotional well-being.
Improve circulation and alleviate pain: Acupuncture enhances blood flow and influences the release of pain-relieving chemicals to reduce aches, pains, and discomfort associated with perimenopause.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT VESSEL ACUPUNCTURE & CHINESE MEDICINE
At Vessel, we take an integrative, patient-centred approach to care. Your first visit includes a thorough consultation to discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, and health history. Based on this, we create a tailored treatment plan designed specifically for you. We also incorporate lifestyle recommendations, Chinese herbal medicine, and nutritional guidance to support your journey through perimenopause.
UNDERSTANDING PERIMENOPAUSE
Perimenopause is the transitional stage leading up to menopause, during which hormonal shifts, particularly a decline in progesterone and fluctuating estrogen, can bring about a wide range of changes in the body and mind. These may include:
Irregular menstrual cycles, heavier bleeding, and breast tenderness
Body aches and joint discomfort
Changes in sleep patterns
Bloating and increased abdominal weight
Headaches, fatigue, and brain fog
This phase is also marked by metabolic shifts. For some, insulin resistance can emerge, influencing energy levels and weight management.
As perimenopause progresses and estrogen begins a steady decline in the years before the final menstrual period, new symptoms may appear or intensify:
Heightened mood changes
Hot flushes, night sweats, and disrupted sleep
Ongoing brain fog and weight gain
Changes in libido, sexual pleasure, and genito-urinary health
While these symptoms can be challenging, they are manageable. With the right support, many people navigate this transition with greater resilience and rediscover a sense of vitality and ease through midlife and beyond.
Acupuncture is an evidence-based, holistic option to support you through perimenopause. It offers a non-invasive, individualised approach that can help restore harmony and manage symptoms.
It can be safely integrated alongside Western medical treatments such as Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) when administered by a qualified practitioner. At Vessel, we support your autonomy in healthcare and work collaboratively with you and your broader care team to meet your needs.
MANAGING PERIMENOPAUSE
Everyone experiences perimenopause differently, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Building a healthcare team that understands your unique situation is essential. This might include your general practitioner (GP), gynecologist, nutritionist or dietitian, psychologist, exercise physiologist, pelvic floor physiotherapist, or complementary practitioners such as acupuncturists.
Here are key areas to focus on during this time:
1. Support the Stress Response via the HPA Axis
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulates the body’s response to stress and plays a vital role in hormone balance. Chronic stress can amplify perimenopausal symptoms, so finding strategies to regulate your stress response is important.
2. Nurture Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
This phase of life often comes with significant personal and relational transitions. It’s a time of growth, but also one where emotional support may be needed. Consider building a support network that may include a psychologist, counsellor, or menopause doula, and carve out time for practices that help you feel grounded and resourced.
3. Address Inflammation and Metabolic Health
Low-grade inflammation and metabolic changes can contribute to common symptoms. Minimising processed foods and increasing whole, anti-inflammatory foods can have a meaningful impact on overall well-being.
4. Support Gut and Digestive Health
A healthy gut microbiome supports hormone metabolism and immune function. Including fibre-rich prebiotic foods and fermented probiotic foods in your diet can help maintain digestive health.
5. Small Changes, Big Impact
Sustainable changes—like regular movement, balanced nutrition, reducing alcohol, and prioritising quality sleep—can significantly improve how you feel.
6. Consider Complementary Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture may support symptom relief and overall balance during perimenopause. For summaries of current research, you can explore Evidence Based Acupuncture.
A Natural, Holistic Approach
With support, you can move through this transition with more ease. Let us help you navigate this phase naturally with acupuncture and holistic care. Schedule your consultation today.
References
https://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/acupuncture-menopause/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S096522992500024X?via%3Dihub
Research into Acupuncture is growing exponentially, but more research is needed in all of these areas to make any true claims for treatment. You can read more about the evidence base of Acupuncture in our articles here and here.