
Perimenopause treatment: understanding and relieving symptoms with Traditional Chinese Medicine
Perimenopause is an unavoidable stage in a woman's life, marking the transition to menopause. While some women go through it without too many symptoms, for the majority, it is accompanied by profound hormonal changes that can lead to disruptive symptoms. These include menstrual irregularities, hot flushes, night sweats, insomnia, palpitations and increased irritability (mood swings). For many, these symptoms can become a real burden. Fortunately, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its holistic approach, offers natural and effective solutions to relieve these symptoms and restore the body's energy balance.
What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause, which generally occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, is a period of hormonal transition.
It comprises three stages:
- Premenopause: before menopause, the ovaries produce less estrogen.
- Menopause: marked by the cessation of menstruation for at least 12 months.
- Postmenopause: the period following menopause when hormonal symptoms gradually diminish.
Symptoms can vary in intensity and duration, from a few months to 5 to 10 years. They can disrupt daily life, particularly due to the impact of hormonal changes.
The causes of perimenopause according to Western medicine
According to Western medicine, perimenopause is mainly caused by a decrease in ovarian function and an imbalance in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. This drop in estrogen production disrupts hormonal balance and can affect the autonomic nervous system, leading to a variety of symptoms, including hot flushes, night sweats and irritability.
What treatments are available for perimenopause?
1. Western medicine: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a common hormonal treatment to relieve the symptoms of perimenopause. Although effective for some women, this treatment can have side effects such as vaginal bleeding and weight gain. As a result, more and more women are looking for alternative or complementary solutions.
2. Naturopathy
Naturopathic treatments exist to regulate hormonal disorders and manage side effects.
3. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Traditional Chinese medicine offers an additional natural treatment option, distinguished by its holistic approach. It relies on the use of herbal medicines,acupuncture, moxibustion and Qi (energy flow) management to restore the body's energy balance and relieve perimenopausal symptoms. Several studies [1][2] have demonstrated the effectiveness of TCM in regulating symptoms, in particular by restoring the balance between Yin and Yang.
It is important to inform your therapist of any medical treatments you may be undergoing, so that we can respond appropriately and adjust the treatment if necessary.
Menopause and TCM: a complete vision of the body
In TCM, menopause is seen as the result of the depletion of kidney energy, also known as shen qi, which influences all aspects of women's health, including reproduction, metabolism and emotions.
As the body ages, vital energy diminishes, disrupting the circulation of Qi and blood, leading to symptoms such as hot flushes, insomnia and emotional disturbances.
TCM treatment strategies for the perimenopause
Traditional Chinese medicine offers several approaches to rebalance energy and relieve perimenopausal symptoms:
- Strengthening the kidneys(补肾气): Toning the Yin of the kidneys is essential for regulating internal heat and restoring energetic balance.
- Balancing Yin and Yang(调阴阳): TCM aims to restore balance between these two opposing forces to promote a harmonious flow of energy throughout the body.
- Toning the liver(补肝): By releasing stagnant liver energy, TCM prevents emotional disorders such as irritability and anger.
- Calming the mind(宁心): Calming the mind and nourishing the heart helps reduce anxiety and insomnia, two common symptoms of perimenopause.
- Strengthen the spleen(健脾): Good digestive function supports the body's overall balance, essential for managing hormonal symptoms.
Acupuncture and Chinese pharmacopoeia: powerful tools in the treatment of perimenopause
1. Acupuncture: rebalancing energy and relieving symptoms
Acupuncture is one of the most popular TCM techniques, used to relieve many perimenopausal symptoms. By stimulating specific points on the body, acupuncture helps to rebalance the flow of energy (Qi), reducing symptoms such as hot flushes, anxiety and insomnia. It also promotes blood circulation and kidney nourishment, contributing to overall well-being.
Several studies [3][4] have shown that acupuncture can reduce the intensity of hot flushes and improve sleep quality, crucial elements for perimenopausal women.
2. Chinese Pharmacopoeia: relieving symptoms naturally
Chinese pharmacopoeia uses herbs to tone energy, regulate hormones and soothe the physical and emotional symptoms of perimenopause. Among the most common herbs for this transitional period are :
- Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis): used to regulate menstruation and relieve menstrual pain.
- Shu Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae): a powerful herb for nourishing kidney yin and toning vital energy.
- He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum): often used to support kidney function and slow aging.
- Chai Hu (Bupleurum chinensis): helps release stagnant liver energy and soothe emotional disturbances.
Complementing acupuncture, Chinese pharmacopoeia offers a natural solution for nourishing the kidneys, reducing internal heat and regulating emotions, while balancing hormonal levels.
Why choose TCM to treat perimenopause?
1. A natural, personalized approach: TCM offers treatment without major side effects. It considers each patient as a unique individual and adjusts treatments according to her specific needs.
2. Complementarity with Western treatments: TCM can be used to complement hormonal therapy, offering an integrated approach for more complete and lasting symptom relief.
3. Holistic approach: TCM treats not only physical symptoms, but also emotional and energetic causes, making it a comprehensive approach to the well-being of perimenopausal women.
Conclusion: TCM, a natural and effective solution
Traditional Chinese medicine, with its use of acupuncture and Chinese pharmacopoeia, offers a natural, effective and holistic solution to perimenopausal symptoms. By balancing the body's internal energies, it helps restore a lasting state of well-being and prevent the side effects of hormone treatments. If you're looking for alternatives or a complement to conventional treatments, TCM could be the ideal approach to get you through this period of hormonal transition in complete serenity.
Sources :
- [1] Li H, Yeung TC, Zhang C, Meng W, Miao JX, Zhong L. (2023).
Evidence-based Chinese medicine clinical practice guideline on menopausal syndrome in Hong Kong. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 57(2023)102213 - [2] Charlap Cécile (2015).
The making of menopause: gender, learning and trajectories. - [3] P.Stute, R.Bürki, V. Geissbühler.
Non-hormonal treatment of menopausal hot flushes. Swiss gynecology. - [4] D'hondt Anthony. La ménopause, soulager les symptômes pour améliorer le confort de vie.
Dissertation for the Diploma of Specialized Studies in Pharmacy. p88
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