Researchers at the Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine have confirmed acupuncture perimenopause relief. Specifically, their investigation documented reduced adverse symptoms and improved metabolism, reproductive endocrinology, and immune function. In addition, their findings revealed significant biochemical benefits from acupuncture.
Background on Perimenopause
The onset of perimenopause can begin years before menopause, in a woman’s 40s, 30s, or earlier, and is related to decreased estradiol production by the ovaries. Furthermore, perimenopause typically lasts four years. Common symptoms include hot flashes, fatigue, increased PMS, irregular menstrual cycles, insomnia, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, mood swings, anxiety, and breast tenderness. Western conventional treatment includes hormone replacement therapy (HRT), antidepressants, and vaginal lubricants.
In addition, reduced estradiol triggers changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPOA) axis, leading to the abovementioned symptoms. The researchers in this acupuncture perimenopause relief study noted that acupuncture successfully regulated estradiol levels, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). Furthermore, it dramatically reduced hot flashes and night sweats.
Acupuncture Studies Included in Meta-Analysis
This meta-analysis reviewed a large body of data, including the following studies:
- Jin et al. compared acupuncture with Premarin oral estradiol. The acupuncture group received back shu points. Compared with the estradiol group, the acupuncture group demonstrated superior patient outcomes.
- Shang et al. found that Yuan-Primary and Back-Shu acupoints effectively regulated estradiol, FSH, and LH in perimenopausal women, generating acupuncture perimenopause relief.
- Qin et al. concluded that electroacupuncture applied to acupoint SP6 (Sanyinjiao) successfully modulated endocrine function in perimenopausal women.
- Li et al. documented beneficial increases in estradiol levels in perimenopausal women after applying either of the following acupuncture point prescriptions:
- Prescription #1 – Guanyuan (CV4) and Sanyinjiao (SP6).
- Prescription # 2 – Neiguan (PC6) and Zusanli (ST36).
Additional Acupuncture Research
- Chen et al. concluded that electroacupuncture increased estradiol levels and normalized “the function of hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.”
- Yao et al. confirmed that electroacupuncture increased estradiol levels and prolactin-releasing peptides in the brain. Specifically, acupuncture increased estradiol levels by transforming androgen into estrogen and “promoting aromatase activity and mRNA expression in adipose and liver tissues.”
The research studies noted above are just a few covered by the investigators that document acupuncture perimenopause relief. In addition, they examined acupuncture’s regulatory effects on the immune and neuroendocrine systems and on metabolism. As a result, this broad body of research confirms acupuncture’s ability to regulate body systems.
Acupuncture Perimenopause Relief
The researchers concluded that acupuncture effectively treated perimenopause “by improving clinical symptoms such as menstrual disorders, hot flashes, sweating, insomnia, and mood disorders.” In addition, acupuncture benefitted perimenopausal women by:
- Increasing estrogen levels
- Decreasing FSH and LH levels
- Increasing estrogen receptor protein expression
- Inhibiting GnRH
- Transforming androgen into estrogen
Acupuncture and the Immune System
Furthermore, investigators discovered that acupuncture boosted the immune system by increasing E-selectin and L-selectin and regulating immune cell estrogen receptor expression. Specifically, the neuroendocrine benefits of acupuncture include:
- Increasing dopamine and GABA
- Decreasing aspartate and glutamate
- Regulating free radical expression through nitric oxide and superoxide dismutase
- Regulation of blood lipids
- Suppression of oxidative stress
- Bone metabolism regulation of alkaline phosphatase
Acupuncture Study Conclusions
Acupuncture is a highly effective treatment for perimenopausal women, reducing debilitating symptoms, regulating hormones, boosting immune function, and improving quality of life. In particular, the meta-data in this study effectively documents acupuncture perimenopause relief.
Related Perimenopause Research
In a related study, Tan et al. concluded that acupuncture combined with Chinese herbs effectively relieved insomnia in perimenopausal women. Specifically, the researchers combined the herbal formula Zi Shen Tiao Gan Tang with acupuncture. Interestingly, acupuncture had a total effective rate of 75%, while the combined therapy achieved a 97% total effective rate.
Next Steps
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Additional Acupuncture Resources
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Perimenopause Research Study 1.
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References
1. Jin H, Liu TT, Wang R. Clinical observation on acupuncture for treating perimenopausal syndrome. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu, 2007, 27(8): 572-574.
2. Shang YJ, Bhang Y, Kong LL, Wang YY, Wang DS, Li J. Clinical observation of source point and Back-Shu point for treating perimenopausal syndrome. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu, 2009, 29(6): 444-448.
3. Qin ZY, Ling H, Xia XH, Meng L, Wu ZJ. Effects of electroacupuncture of Sanyinjiao (SP 6) on genito- endocrine in patients with perimenopausal syndrome. Zhen Ci Yan Jiu, 2007, 32(4): 255-259.
4. Li Y, Xia Y, Liu SM, Ju ZY, Shi XL, Chen MG, Cheng L, He JS. Effect of electroacupuncture on serum sex hormones in patients with perimenopausal syndrome. Shanghai Zhenjiu Zazhi, 2010, 29(4): 199-201.
5. Chen BY, Cheng LH, Gao H, Ji SZ. Effects of electroacupuncture on the expression of estrogen receptor protein and mRNA. Shengli Xuebao, 1998, 50(5): 495-500.
6. Yao X, Wang XQ, Ma SL, Chen BY. Electroacupuncture stimulates the expression of prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) in the medulla oblongata of ovariectomized rats. Neurosci Lett, 2006, 411(3): 243-248.
Focus Keyphrase: Acupuncture Perimenopause Relief
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