Manage Menopause Syndrome with TCM Treatments

Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, marking the end of the reproductive years when menstrual periods eventually stop. For most women, it occurs between the ages of 45 and 55.

You’ve reached menopause when you haven’t had a period for 12 consecutive months. This occurs as your ovaries gradually produce less oestrogen and progesterone, hormones that regulate your menstrual cycle.

Every woman experiences menopause differently. Some notice only mild changes, while others find the symptoms more challenging. 

However, there are some common signs you might notice:

• Hot flushes and night sweats
• Sleep disturbances or insomnia
• Mood changes, including irritability, or anxiety
• Irregular periods
• Vaginal dryness and reduced sex drive
• Difficulty concentrating or memory lapses
• Joint and muscle aches
• Weight gain

If you’re struggling with symptoms that are negatively affecting your well-being, schedule an appointment with Thomson Chinese Medicine. Our physicians can work with you to find an approach that helps you feel comfortable and supported.

Menopause happens when your ovaries gradually produce less oestrogen and progesterone. Oestrogen regulates your menstrual cycle and helps maintain healthy bones and cholesterol levels, while progesterone supports pregnancy as well as helping to regulate blood pressure and mood.

From a TCM perspective, menopause is viewed as kidney deficiency and an imbalance of Yin and Yang. The “Kidney” here refers to an energy system that governs growth, reproduction, and ageing – not just the physical organ.

As you age, TCM sees this as a natural decline in essence (Jing) stored in the Kidney. This affects both Kidney Yin (associated with moisture, calmness, and body fluids) and Kidney Yang (associated with warmth, energy, and metabolic function).

When Yin and Yang become imbalanced, you may experience different symptoms:

• If Yin declines faster, you may experience hot flushes, insomnia, or dryness
• If Yang declines faster, you may feel fatigue, chilliness, or low mood

TCM treatments work by supporting Kidney function and restoring balance between Yin and Yang to ease your symptoms naturally. This approach addresses the root cause of your symptoms, helping your body find its natural equilibrium again.

Acupuncture for fertility offers both men and women a multitude of benefits. When specific acupoints are stimulated, blood flow and hormone levels in women get regulated, improving ovulation and improving the chances of conceiving. Acupuncture can also be a valuable tool for women struggling with conditions like endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome, which can affect ovulation and embryo implantation, hence reducing the chances of conceiving.

Stress is also a major factor that can negatively impact male fertility, and acupuncture can help address that too. By reducing mental stress and releasing tension and anxiety, acupuncture relieves Liver Qi stagnation, Spleen and Kidney Qi deficiency to promote a healthier environment for sperm production and support the overall reproductive health of men.

When it comes to TCM for fertility, physicians tend to emphasise the importance of diet and nutrition as the food you consume is seen as a powerful tool for promoting balance and harmony within the body, which is essential for optimal reproductive health. By nourishing your body with the right food, you can help support your body’s natural processes and improve your chances of conception. A diet rich in unsaturated fats, whole grains, vegetables and fish that have been linked to improved fertility in both men and women is recommended.

A special tip from our physicians is to incorporate rice in your meals – even for ladies who are on a diet but planning to conceive. TCM views grains as a good source of nourishment for the Spleen which is necessary for the production of sufficient Qi & Blood to support the proper functioning of the body’s organs, including your reproductive organs. If you are underweight or malnourished, your chances of conceiving can be impacted. Our TCM physicians recommend adding at least a small portion of rice to your diet for your fertility.

In TCM, stress is seen as a major contributor to a variety of fertility issues, including irregular menstrual cycles, poor egg quality and low sperm count. This is because stress can lead to imbalances in the body’s Qi, which is the vital life force that flows through all living things. When Qi is flowing smoothly, the body is able to function optimally and maintain balance. But when Qi becomes stagnant or blocked due to stress, it can create a range of health problems including fertility issues.

Incorporate stress-reducing practices like meditation, acupuncture for fertility or stretching exercises such as yoga or pilates into your routine to encourage a good flow of Qi and increase the chances of conceiving.

The Kidneys and Liver are considered key organs for reproduction according to TCM and smoking and drinking can compromise their functions, making it more difficult to conceive. Smoking is particularly harmful, as it can lead to a decrease in both sperm count and motility, as well as affect the quality of eggs. Similarly, excessive alcohol consumption can disrupt the balance of hormones and negatively impact ovulation in women.

Focus on adopting healthy habits instead, like regular exercise and a balanced diet, to enhance overall health for conception.