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Acupuncture for Hormonal Health: Easing Symptoms Naturally

Hormonal Health plays a vital role in women’s well-being, impacting everything from mood and energy levels to reproductive function and weight management. When these hormones become unbalanced, it can lead to a variety of issues, including irregular menstrual cycles, PMS, fertility challenges, and menopausal symptoms.


While conventional medicine provides a range of treatments for hormonal imbalances, they often don’t address issues from a holistic lens, failing to target the root problem. An increasing number of women are turning to complementary approaches to enhance and support their hormonal health. Acupuncture, a component of East Asian Medicine, has become increasingly popular as a drug-free approach for addressing hormonal issues. 


Understand Hormonal Imbalance 


Before exploring how acupuncture can help address hormonal imbalances, it's important to understand what hormonal imbalance is. The female body relies on several key hormones to regulate vital functions and support overall health. These include:

  • Estrogen: The primary female sex hormone responsible for reproductive system regulation, fertility, and secondary sex characteristics.

  • Progesterone: Works alongside estrogen to regulate the menstrual cycle and support pregnancy.

  • Testosterone: While primarily a male hormone, females also produce small amounts, contributing to libido, muscle mass, and overall energy.

  • Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Produced by the pituitary gland, FSH stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles, while LH triggers ovulation and stimulates the ovaries to produce estrogen and progesterone. 


Hormonal imbalances occur when there is too much or too little of one or more key hormones in the body. Because hormones act as powerful chemical messengers, even a slight imbalance can lead to significant physiological and emotional changes.

In women, hormonal imbalances can result in a wide range of symptoms, including:

  • Mood swings

  • Unexplained weight loss or gain 

  • Infertility 

  • Irregular menstrual cycle 

  • Insomnia 

  • Brittle bones 

  • Acne 

  • Hot flashes 


These symptoms can impact daily life and overall quality of health, making it essential to address the root cause and restore hormonal balance through appropriate interventions. 


How Acupuncture Supports Hormonal Imbalance 


Acupuncture can serve as an effective complementary therapy for women seeking to balance their hormones naturally and holistically. Acupuncturists view the body as an intricate network of interconnected pathways through which vital energy, known as Qi, flows.


Hormonal imbalances are believed to disrupt the smooth flow of Qi, creating blockages or deficiencies that manifest as physical and emotional symptoms. By gently stimulating specific points on the body, known as acupoints, acupuncture promotes the free flow of Qi, restores internal balance, and supports the body's natural healing processes. This rebalancing of energy can help regulate hormonal function. 


Recent research has highlighted several mechanisms through which acupuncture may support hormone regulation in women:


Stress Reduction


Acupuncture has been shown to reduce stress levels, which can significantly impact hormone balance. An increase in the stress hormone, cortisol, can lead to high blood pressure, mood changes, weight gain, or irregular periods. With acupuncture having the capability to decrease cortisol levels, it can indirectly support overall hormonal health


Menstrual Cycle Regulation  

Studies have demonstrated that acupuncture can be effective in supporting the restoration of regular menstrual cycles. Various acupuncture techniques have shown promise in regulating hormones, creating a non-pharmacological approach to managing menstrual irregularities. 


Decreasing Hot Flashes 


Hot flashes are one of the most common and disruptive symptoms experienced by women during perimenopause and menopause. They are typically characterized by a sudden sensation of intense heat, often accompanied by sweating, flushing, and a rapid heartbeat.

Emerging research suggests that acupuncture can significantly reduce both the frequency and severity of hot flashes. In addition to alleviating this specific symptom, studies have also shown that acupuncture can help improve other menopause-related symptoms, such as sleep disturbances, mood changes, and fatigue, ultimately enhancing overall quality of life for women during this transitional phase.


Direct Impact on Sex Hormone Levels


A published literature review has indicated that acupuncture may help increase levels of key female hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin. These hormones play essential roles in regulating the menstrual cycle, supporting ovulation, and maintaining overall reproductive health.


Acupuncture offers a gentle and natural method to support hormonal balance, particularly for women experiencing irregular cycles, fertility challenges, or symptoms related to hormonal fluctuations.

Want to know more? 


Contact us today at VUIM Clinic to speak with one of our experts about how acupuncture can help you manage your hormonal imbalance and restore balance to your health. Let us guide you on your journey to wellness with personalized, holistic care. 


References:

Chiu, H. Y., Pan, C. H., Shyu, Y. K., Han, B. C., & Tsai, P. S. (2015). Effects of acupuncture on menopause-related symptoms and quality of life in women in natural menopause: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Menopause (New York, N.Y.), 22(2), 234–244. https://doi.org/10.1097/GME.0000000000000260


Cochrane, S., Smith, C. A., Possamai-Inesedy, A., & Bensoussan, A. (2014). Acupuncture and women's health: an overview of the role of acupuncture and its clinical management in women's reproductive health. International journal of women's health, 6, 313–325. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJWH.S38969


Kamma Sundgaard Lund, Volkert Siersma, Brodersen, J. and Frans Boch Waldorff (2019). Efficacy of a standardised acupuncture approach for women with bothersome menopausal symptoms: a pragmatic randomised study in primary care (the ACOM study). BMJ Open, [online] 9(1), p.e023637. doi:https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023637.


Ko, J. H., & Kim, S. N. (2018). A Literature Review of Women's Sex Hormone Changes by Acupuncture Treatment: Analysis of Human and Animal Studies. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2018, 3752723. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/3752723


Pirnia, B., Mohammadzadeh Bazargan, N., Hamdieh, M., Pirnia, K., Malekanmehr, P., Maleki, F., & Zahiroddin, A. (2019). The Effectiveness of Auricular Acupuncture on the Levels of Cortisol in a Depressed Patient. Iranian journal of public health, 48(9), 1748–1750.


Wang, Junting MM; Zhang, Heran MM∗. Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for irregular menstruation: A protocol for Bayesian network meta-analysis and systematic review. Medicine Case Reports and Study Protocols 2(12):p e0203, December 2021. | DOI: 10.1097/MD9.0000000000000203 

We view health as a seamless fusion of body, mind, and spirit, and our approach embodies this holistic perspective. Committed to making wellness both accessible and comprehensible, we transform the complexities of Chinese medicine into clear, actionable treatment plans. By delivering an integrated care experience, we guide you toward well-being with both clarity and sophistication.

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Acupuncture for Hormonal Health: Easing Symptoms Naturally

  • Writer: Lauren  Goldblum
    Lauren Goldblum
  • May 12
  • 4 min read

Hormonal Health plays a vital role in women’s well-being, impacting everything from mood and energy levels to reproductive function and weight management. When these hormones become unbalanced, it can lead to a variety of issues, including irregular menstrual cycles, PMS, fertility challenges, and menopausal symptoms.


While conventional medicine provides a range of treatments for hormonal imbalances, they often don’t address issues from a holistic lens, failing to target the root problem. An increasing number of women are turning to complementary approaches to enhance and support their hormonal health. Acupuncture, a component of East Asian Medicine, has become increasingly popular as a drug-free approach for addressing hormonal issues. 


Understand Hormonal Imbalance 


Before exploring how acupuncture can help address hormonal imbalances, it's important to understand what hormonal imbalance is. The female body relies on several key hormones to regulate vital functions and support overall health. These include:

  • Estrogen: The primary female sex hormone responsible for reproductive system regulation, fertility, and secondary sex characteristics.

  • Progesterone: Works alongside estrogen to regulate the menstrual cycle and support pregnancy.

  • Testosterone: While primarily a male hormone, females also produce small amounts, contributing to libido, muscle mass, and overall energy.

  • Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Produced by the pituitary gland, FSH stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles, while LH triggers ovulation and stimulates the ovaries to produce estrogen and progesterone. 


Hormonal imbalances occur when there is too much or too little of one or more key hormones in the body. Because hormones act as powerful chemical messengers, even a slight imbalance can lead to significant physiological and emotional changes.

In women, hormonal imbalances can result in a wide range of symptoms, including:

  • Mood swings

  • Unexplained weight loss or gain 

  • Infertility 

  • Irregular menstrual cycle 

  • Insomnia 

  • Brittle bones 

  • Acne 

  • Hot flashes 


These symptoms can impact daily life and overall quality of health, making it essential to address the root cause and restore hormonal balance through appropriate interventions. 


How Acupuncture Supports Hormonal Imbalance 


Acupuncture can serve as an effective complementary therapy for women seeking to balance their hormones naturally and holistically. Acupuncturists view the body as an intricate network of interconnected pathways through which vital energy, known as Qi, flows.


Hormonal imbalances are believed to disrupt the smooth flow of Qi, creating blockages or deficiencies that manifest as physical and emotional symptoms. By gently stimulating specific points on the body, known as acupoints, acupuncture promotes the free flow of Qi, restores internal balance, and supports the body's natural healing processes. This rebalancing of energy can help regulate hormonal function. 


Recent research has highlighted several mechanisms through which acupuncture may support hormone regulation in women:


Stress Reduction


Acupuncture has been shown to reduce stress levels, which can significantly impact hormone balance. An increase in the stress hormone, cortisol, can lead to high blood pressure, mood changes, weight gain, or irregular periods. With acupuncture having the capability to decrease cortisol levels, it can indirectly support overall hormonal health


Menstrual Cycle Regulation  

Studies have demonstrated that acupuncture can be effective in supporting the restoration of regular menstrual cycles. Various acupuncture techniques have shown promise in regulating hormones, creating a non-pharmacological approach to managing menstrual irregularities. 


Decreasing Hot Flashes 


Hot flashes are one of the most common and disruptive symptoms experienced by women during perimenopause and menopause. They are typically characterized by a sudden sensation of intense heat, often accompanied by sweating, flushing, and a rapid heartbeat.

Emerging research suggests that acupuncture can significantly reduce both the frequency and severity of hot flashes. In addition to alleviating this specific symptom, studies have also shown that acupuncture can help improve other menopause-related symptoms, such as sleep disturbances, mood changes, and fatigue, ultimately enhancing overall quality of life for women during this transitional phase.


Direct Impact on Sex Hormone Levels


A published literature review has indicated that acupuncture may help increase levels of key female hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin. These hormones play essential roles in regulating the menstrual cycle, supporting ovulation, and maintaining overall reproductive health.


Acupuncture offers a gentle and natural method to support hormonal balance, particularly for women experiencing irregular cycles, fertility challenges, or symptoms related to hormonal fluctuations.

Want to know more? 


Contact us today at VUIM Clinic to speak with one of our experts about how acupuncture can help you manage your hormonal imbalance and restore balance to your health. Let us guide you on your journey to wellness with personalized, holistic care. 


References:

Chiu, H. Y., Pan, C. H., Shyu, Y. K., Han, B. C., & Tsai, P. S. (2015). Effects of acupuncture on menopause-related symptoms and quality of life in women in natural menopause: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Menopause (New York, N.Y.), 22(2), 234–244. https://doi.org/10.1097/GME.0000000000000260


Cochrane, S., Smith, C. A., Possamai-Inesedy, A., & Bensoussan, A. (2014). Acupuncture and women's health: an overview of the role of acupuncture and its clinical management in women's reproductive health. International journal of women's health, 6, 313–325. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJWH.S38969


Kamma Sundgaard Lund, Volkert Siersma, Brodersen, J. and Frans Boch Waldorff (2019). Efficacy of a standardised acupuncture approach for women with bothersome menopausal symptoms: a pragmatic randomised study in primary care (the ACOM study). BMJ Open, [online] 9(1), p.e023637. doi:https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023637.


Ko, J. H., & Kim, S. N. (2018). A Literature Review of Women's Sex Hormone Changes by Acupuncture Treatment: Analysis of Human and Animal Studies. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2018, 3752723. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/3752723


Pirnia, B., Mohammadzadeh Bazargan, N., Hamdieh, M., Pirnia, K., Malekanmehr, P., Maleki, F., & Zahiroddin, A. (2019). The Effectiveness of Auricular Acupuncture on the Levels of Cortisol in a Depressed Patient. Iranian journal of public health, 48(9), 1748–1750.


Wang, Junting MM; Zhang, Heran MM∗. Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for irregular menstruation: A protocol for Bayesian network meta-analysis and systematic review. Medicine Case Reports and Study Protocols 2(12):p e0203, December 2021. | DOI: 10.1097/MD9.0000000000000203 

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