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.
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. At Acuwellness Center, we provide Chinese herbal medicine and Wester herbal medicine in both tincture and powder for treatment of hot flashes and night sweats.
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.