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If you're going through the menopause – or suspect you might be entering perimenopause – you'll know all too well that it can feel like your body has suddenly decided to rewrite the rulebook. Hot flushes at the most inconvenient moments. Waking at 3am drenched in sweat. Feeling anxious or irritable for no apparent reason. Brain fog that makes you question whether you've lost the plot entirely.
You're not alone – and you're not imagining it. The menopause affects every woman differently, but for many, the symptoms can be significant enough to impact daily life, relationships and work. Whilst HRT remains an effective option for many women, not everyone can take it and some simply prefer to explore natural alternatives first. That's where acupuncture comes in.
At SLS Therapy, I believe in a holistic approach to health – supporting your body through every stage of life. In this post, we will explore how acupuncture can help manage menopausal symptoms and why it's becoming an increasingly popular choice for women across the UK.
What exactly happens during the menopause?
The menopause is defined as 12 consecutive months without a period, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55 in the UK. The perimenopause – the transitional phase leading up to it – can begin years earlier and is often when symptoms are at their most disruptive.
During this time, oestrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate and gradually decline. These hormones don't just regulate your menstrual cycle – they influence your temperature control, mood, sleep, skin, bone density and much more. It's no wonder, then, that when they start to shift, you can feel the impact across your whole body.
According to the NHS, common menopause symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, difficulty sleeping, low mood, anxiety, reduced libido and problems with memory and concentration. For some women, symptoms are mild and manageable. For others, they can be seriously disruptive – sometimes for years.
So how can acupuncture help?
Acupuncture is a practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with a history spanning over 2,000 years. It involves inserting very fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the nervous system and encourage the body's natural healing response.
From a Western medical perspective, research suggests that acupuncture may work partly by increasing the production of endorphins and influencing the regulation of serotonin – both of which play a key role in mood, pain perception and temperature control. This is particularly relevant during the menopause, when hormonal changes can disrupt these systems significantly.
The British Acupuncture Council notes that nearly 30% of all patients presenting to acupuncturists are women aged 40–59, which speaks to just how many women are finding real value in this treatment during this life stage.
What does the research say?
The good news is that the evidence is growing – and it's encouraging. A 2018 study published in the British Medical Journal found that just six weeks of acupuncture made a real difference for women experiencing hot flushes, night sweats, sleep problems and low mood. Eight out of ten participants said they felt genuinely better overall.
Longer-term studies back this up too, showing that the benefits can last for several months after treatment ends – so it's not just a short-term fix.
It's fair to say that acupuncture isn't a guaranteed solution for everyone and official guidance from NICE notes that more large-scale research is still needed. But for many women – particularly those who can't take HRT or prefer a more natural route – it's a safe, gentle option that's well worth considering.
Which menopause symptoms can acupuncture address?
Based on current evidence and clinical experience, acupuncture may help with a broad range of menopausal symptoms, including:
- Hot flushes and night sweats – Research suggests acupuncture may reduce both the frequency and intensity of these symptoms, with some studies reporting reductions of up to 50%.
- Sleep disturbances – By helping to regulate the nervous system and reduce night sweats, acupuncture can support better quality sleep, which has a knock-on effect on mood and energy.
- Anxiety and low mood – Acupuncture has been shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system (the 'rest and relaxation' response), helping to reduce stress and lift mood naturally.
- Brain fog – Neurological research indicates that acupuncture activates specific brain regions and improves blood flow to the brain, which may support mental clarity and concentration.
- Joint and muscle pain – Musculoskeletal discomfort is a less talked-about but common menopausal symptom, and one that soft tissue therapy and acupuncture can work together to address.
Acupuncture treats the whole person rather than just individual symptoms – each treatment is tailored to you, taking into account your full picture of health, lifestyle and how your menopause is presenting.
Can I have acupuncture alongside HRT?
Absolutely. Acupuncture is not an either/or decision. Many women choose to use it alongside HRT or other medications to complement their existing treatment plan. A qualified practitioner will always ask about your current medications at your first appointment and tailor your treatment accordingly.
Acupuncture can be particularly valuable for women who are unable to take HRT due to a history of hormone-sensitive cancers, blood clots, or other medical conditions – offering a route to symptom relief that doesn't rely on hormones.
What should I expect from a session?
If you've never had acupuncture before, it's completely understandable to feel a little unsure about what to expect. The needles used are incredibly fine – much thinner than a hypodermic needle – and most people find the sensation surprisingly gentle. You might feel a mild tingling or a slight ache at the insertion point, which is actually a sign that the treatment is working.
Sessions typically last between 45 minutes and an hour, giving you time to relax fully. Many clients find the experience deeply calming in itself – a bit of quiet time that's entirely focused on your wellbeing.
For menopausal symptoms, practitioners often recommend an initial course of around six sessions, followed by less frequent top-up treatments as needed. Many women notice improvements in sleep and mood within the first few sessions, with fuller benefits emerging over the course of treatment.
Final thoughts
The menopause is a natural transition, but that doesn't mean you have to simply put up with symptoms that are affecting your quality of life. Acupuncture offers a gentle, holistic and increasingly evidence-backed approach to managing everything from hot flushes and night sweats to anxiety, sleep problems and brain fog.
Whether you're looking for an alternative to HRT, a complementary treatment to support what you're already doing, or simply a therapy that treats you as a whole person rather than a list of symptoms, acupuncture could be well worth exploring.
Ready to find out more? I work with clients at every stage of life, offering acupuncture as part of a tailored approach to your health and wellbeing. If you'd like to discuss whether acupuncture might be right for you, I'd love to hear from you.
