Menopause is a natural milestone—it marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. For most women in the U.S., it usually starts between ages 45 and 55, with 51 being the average. That said, everyone’s journey is a little different. But no matter the path, finding meaningful support through menopause can make a world of difference.
It doesn’t happen all at once. The transition begins with perimenopause, which can kick in as early as your late 30s or early 40s. This phase can last a few months—or even more than 10 years—as your hormone levels (especially estrogen and progesterone) start to shift and fluctuate.
You officially reach menopause once you’ve gone 12 straight months without a period—assuming it’s not due to pregnancy or another health issue. After that, you’re considered postmenopausal. Many symptoms begin to ease up then, although some might stick around.
A few factors can affect when menopause begins. Genetics play a role, as do things like smoking, certain medical treatments (like chemotherapy or surgery), and specific health conditions. Some women even experience early menopause—before the age of 40.
Understanding the Symptoms of Menopause
Menopause is a natural phase, but it can bring a mix of changes—some subtle, others not so much. While some women breeze through with just a few mild symptoms, others find the transition seriously disrupts their sleep, moods, relationships, and overall well-being.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common symptoms and how they can show up in real life:
Hot flashes and night sweats
Sudden heat waves can strike out of nowhere—leaving you red-faced, sweaty, and uncomfortable. At night, they can jolt you awake drenched in sweat, making restful sleep feel impossible.
Sleep struggles
Even without night sweats, many women have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. That leads to groggy mornings, low energy, and a tough time focusing during the day.
Mood swings and anxiety
Hormonal changes can mess with your brain chemistry, leading to unexpected tears, irritability, or anxious thoughts. For some women, this can trigger depression—especially if they’ve had mood issues before.
Brain fog
Menopause can make you feel like your brain is running on low battery. You might forget words mid-sentence, struggle to multitask, or lose track of what you were doing—especially if you’re already dealing with poor sleep.
Changes in intimacy
Lower estrogen levels can cause vaginal dryness or discomfort, which can make intimacy painful and affect your desire for sex. That can take a toll on both confidence and relationships.
How Traditional Chinese Medicine Understands Menopause
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), diagnosis works a bit differently than in Western medicine. Instead of just focusing on symptoms in isolation, TCM looks at patterns—how different symptoms connect, the flow of energy (Qi), and the balance between organ systems like the Liver, Kidney, and Spleen. It’s holistic, meaning the goal is to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms.
When a woman enters menopause and starts experiencing changes like hot flashes, mood swings, or sleep issues, TCM sees it as a shift in internal balance. Here’s how those symptoms are commonly understood:
Kidney Yin Deficiency with Heat
Cooling, nourishing Yin energy is running low, allowing excess heat to rise. Symptoms include:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Dry mouth or throat
- Insomnia
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Dizziness
- Vaginal or skin dryness
- Heat sensations in the palms, soles, or chest
Kidney Yang Deficiency
Your body’s internal “pilot light” is too low. You may feel:
- Cold limbs
- Fatigue
- Frequent urination or incontinence
- Lower back/knee weakness
- Depression or low mood
- Water retention or weight gain
- Poor memory
Liver Qi Stagnation
Stress and bottled-up emotions lead to poor energy flow:
- Mood swings and irritability
- Breast tenderness
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Irregular periods
Spleen Qi Deficiency with Phlegm and Dampness
Sluggish digestion and accumulation result in:
- Brain fog
- Heaviness
- Bloating
- Sluggishness or lack of motivation
- Weight gain
- Mucus or congestion
Support Through Menopause with Acupuncture and Lifestyle
Menopause may be a natural transition, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through it. With the right support through menopause—especially from Traditional Chinese Medicine—many women find they can reduce symptoms, improve energy, and feel more balanced.
Acupuncture
Your practitioner will tailor treatments to your diagnosis—often a mix of the above. Regular sessions can:
- Cool internal heat
- Rebuild energy
- Regulate hormones and mood
- Support digestion
Smart Diet Changes
These foods nourish the body during menopause:
- Soy products (tofu, edamame, soy milk): plant-based phytoestrogens
- Flaxseeds, sesame, legumes: nourish Yin
- Leafy greens: magnesium and calcium boost
- Sardines, canned salmon: calcium and vitamin D
- Egg yolks, mushrooms: vitamin D
- Berries, citrus, carrots, beets: antioxidants
- Cruciferous vegetables: liver support
Avoid:
- Spicy foods
- Alcohol
- Sugar
- Fried and greasy meals
- White bread and processed carbs
Movement Matters
Exercise helps regulate hormones, boost mood, and strengthen bones:
- Strength training (2–3x/week): Squats, lunges, resistance bands
- Cardio: Walking, biking, dancing, swimming
- Mind-body movement: Yin yoga, Tai Ji, meditation—even 5 minutes counts
A Personal Word of Encouragement
As an acupuncturist, I’ve had the honor of walking with many women through this season of life. I’ve watched symptoms soften, energy return, and confidence rebuild—one step at a time. It’s not about perfection. It’s about progress, compassion, and getting the support through menopause that you deserve.
If you’re navigating this journey and need guidance, don’t go it alone. Reach out to a licensed TCM practitioner or talk to your healthcare provider about an integrative care plan. You’re not just “getting through” menopause—you’re entering a new chapter with strength, clarity, and grace.
About Raleigh Acupuncture
At Raleigh Acupuncture Associates, we are deeply committed to providing the highest quality professional acupuncture while being rooted in strong Judeo-Christian values of love, faith, kindness, and truth. We guide our practice with compassionate care, where each patient is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background, faith, or beliefs. We welcome people from all walks of life and strive to create a warm, inclusive environment promoting healing and holistic wellness. Our dedication to delivering exceptional acupuncture is paired with a genuine love for helping others, making our clinic a place where faith and professional medical care come together for the well-being of every patient.
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