Menopause refers to permanent cessation of menstruation after 1 year of complete absence of the menses. Perimenopause refer to 2-8 years before cessation of menstruation during which ovulation and menses become irregular as the result of natural decline in hormonal levels (Estrogen and progesterone). Elevated Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level of 6-100 mIU/L and estradiol less than 50pg/mL levels  on two consecutive months is indicative of menopause. Symptoms of menopause include Hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, poor memory, fatigue, depression, anxiety, vaginal dryness/low libido, heavy vaginal bleeding.

Approximately 80% of US women experience hot flashes, this aggravates insomnia and depression in menopausal women.  Hot flashes are most commonly caused by changing hormone levels before, during and after menopause. It’s not clear exactly how hormonal changes cause hot flashes. But most research suggests that hot flashes occur when decreased estrogen levels cause your body’s thermostat (hypothalamus) to become more sensitive to slight changes in body temperature. When the hypothalamus thinks your body is too warm, it starts a chain of events — a hot flash — to cool you down.

Chinese herbal medicine such as motherwort, Black cohosh, skullcap, red clover, dang gui can reduce hot flash and night sweats intensity and frequency. Studies  have found Chinese herbal medicine for be safe for treating hot flashes due to some herbs having phytoestrogenic affects or estrogen like effects.

Acupuncture is an effective and safe modality in treating menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. Studies have shown after 6 weeks of regular acupuncture treatments 80% of participants reported a significant reduction in both intensity and frequency of hot flashes and night sweats.

Some women experience anxiety and depression during menopause, hormonal changes during menopause can cause a drop in serotonin level in brain resulting in depression during menopause, other factors such as worries about aging, personal concerns, insomnia, inadequate nutrition, memory problems can also contribute to feelings of depression.  Herbs can be very effective in treating depression due to hormonal changes during menopause, adaptogens, St John’s wort, dang gui, motherwort are few herbs that shown to be effective in treating depression during menopause. Using Acupuncture to reduce night sweats, improve vitality and help with sleep also help to improve depression during menopause.

Insomnia is a common problem for premenopausal women worsen by night sweats, lack of sleep aggravates depression, stress, anxiety and memory loss. Using herbs to reduce hot flashes and night sweats such as skullcap, motherwort, dang gui. Chinese herbal medicine such as motherwort, Black cohosh, skullcap, red clover, dang gui can reduce hot flash and night sweats intensity and frequency. Studies  have found Chinese herbal medicine for be safe for treating night sweats due to some herbs having phytoestrogenic affects or estrogen like effects.

Many women experience at least one episode of heavy vaginal bleeding or “flooding” during premenopausal years which is due to hormonal changes, incidences of irregular heavy bleeding during menopausal years should be investigated to rule out gynecological cancers. In absence of caner, Chinese herbal medicine according to differential diagnosis and western herbs such an yarrow, shepherd’s purse, lady’s mantle are very effective in treating dysfunctional uterine bleeding.