Acupuncture for women’s health

Acupuncture and periods

Pain associated with menstruation (dysmenorrhea), can have a large impact on quality of life and is extremely common, effecting 50-90% of young women. Despite this conventional treatment options are often limited, and getting a diagnosis can be very slow.
 
The good news is, studies have shown acupuncture to be more effective than medication (NSAIDs) to reduce pain levels, and also that the effects are long lasting. Many clients also find acupuncture treatment to be very effective for irregular cycles, and to help balance hormonal mood changes.
 
Acupuncture for endometriosis
 
Endometriosis is another common condition and is estimated to effect around 1 in 10 women. It is thought to be caused by systemic inflammation and can cause pain in different areas of the body, often but not always during menstruation or ovulation. Current medical treatments include NSAIDs, hormonal contraceptives and surgery. Acupuncture can help in two ways: firstly by helping to reduce pain, and secondly by reducing inflammation in the body.
 
Acupuncture for perimenopause and menopause
 
From a woman’s early 40’s or younger the hormonal shift that starts with perimenopause and ends with menopause can bring with it many debilitating symptoms ranging from insomnia to anxiety, hot flushes, aches and pains, brain fog and migraines. Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment option during this transition, as it helps to balance hormones, regulate the nervous system, and reduce inflammation and pain.
 
Acupuncture and PCOS
 
There are many different symptoms of PCOS including: No or irregular periods, infertility, increase in body hair, acne, increase in weight, insulin resistance and high blood pressure. Acupuncture can be a helpful support option and has been shown to help promote ovulation, balance hormones and improve mental wellbeing.