What is Menopause?

Menopause is the cessation of the monthly menstrual cycles. If there has been no menstruation for at least 12 consecutive months, menopause is considered to have occurred. Prior to this period, there is a transitional phase that lasts for about 3-5 years. During this phase, the menstrual cycle becomes irregular. Ovarian hormone production decreases, and pituitary hormones increase in an uncontrolled manner.

What are the symptoms?

Parallel to the uncontrolled increase in pituitary hormones, symptoms such as hot flashes, sweating, dizziness, intolerance to crowds and stress, both physically and emotionally, may occur. The collection of these symptoms is referred to as psychosomatic symptoms or menopausal syndrome.

Is menopausal syndrome a problem that needs to be resolved?

If it can be tolerated, menopausal syndrome, similar to pregnancy-related nausea or motion sickness, is a physiological condition and not a disease. If the symptoms are severe enough to cause significant distress, medication may be prescribed after weighing the benefits and risks. However, it is crucial to remember that these medications can increase the risk of uterine and breast cancer.

Can acupuncture help with menopausal syndrome?

Acupuncture is a unique practice for normalizing the complaints associated with hormonal changes during the menopausal transition. Menopause introduces a new state of imbalance in the body, and acupuncture is a method that helps relax the body and establish a new equilibrium in cases of imbalance. After acupuncture treatment, stress and hot flashes decrease, and the symptoms become more tolerable. The treatment process is usually completed with intermittent sessions after a 5-6 week course of treatment.