Ease into Perimenopause With These 3 Tips - Oriental Remedies Group

Ease into Perimenopause With These 3 Tips


As a woman approaches her 40s, familiar patterns can start to shift. Menstrual cycles may become erratic, with periods arriving unpredictably heavy or light. Hot flashes might strike without warning, leaving her flushed and unsettled. Furthermore, those once restorative nights of sleep are frequently interrupted by insomnia, tossing and turning until dawn.

If this sounds like your recent experience, you may be navigating the transitional phase called perimenopause. Typically beginning in the 40s, though sometimes occurring earlier in the 30s, perimenopause marks the gradual process leading to the last menstrual cycle and the end of fertility. During this time, ovarian reserve declines and the ovaries slow production of hormones like estrogen and progesterone[1]. This hormonal shift can trigger physical and emotional symptoms, disrupting a woman’s sense of balance and well-being in daily life. While a natural process, the impacts of perimenopause on mental health, energy levels, and overall quality of life can feel overwhelming.

 

Symptoms of Perimenopause

Some of the most commonly experienced symptoms of perimenopause include:

  1. Irregular periods

One of the earliest signs of perimenopause is a change in menstrual patterns. Periods may become longer or shorter than normal as ovulation becomes irregular. Some women experience skipped periods or periods that arrive closer together. This irregularity is caused by fluctuating ovarian hormone levels.

  1. Hot flashes and night sweats

Hot flashes are hallmarks of the menopausal transition, experienced by up to 80% of women[2]. They are characterised by sudden feelings of intense heat, flushing and sweating that can last from 30 seconds to several minutes. Occurring at night, extreme perspiration can lead to soaked pyjamas and bed sheets.

  1. Sleep disturbances

While night sweats can disrupt slumber, other hormonal effects like anxiety, depression, and body aches also contribute to fragmented sleep and insomnia during the perimenopausal window.

  1. Anxiety and depression

The hormonal roller coaster can directly impact neurotransmitters like serotonin, leading to feelings of anxiety, agitation and mood swings. Similarly, chemical fluctuations may trigger or exacerbate depression. Fatigue, sadness, and loss of motivation are common.

  1. Vaginal dryness

As estrogen levels decline, vaginal tissues can become drier and less elastic. This may cause discomfort during intercourse, affect libido levels and increase susceptibility to infections.

  1. Weight Gain

Many women struggle with weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, as their metabolism slows and hormones shift during perimenopause.

  1. Urinary Issues

Lower estrogen levels can lead to a higher risk of urinary tract infections as well as increased urgency and frequency of urination.

  1. Joints and muscle aches

The drop in estrogen impacts many tissue types, including supportive joint and muscle tissues. This can lead to stiffness, body aches and increased risk of conditions such as arthritis.

Although most symptoms will eventually stop without medical intervention, for some, the perimenopausal phase can be a long and distressing journey lasting up to 10 years[3]. Western treatments for perimenopausal symptoms include Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and antidepressants. While they work well for certain people, they could also bring about side effects such as an increased risk of blood clots, stroke and dementia[4]. Those with certain conditions such as breast cancer are also advised against HRT. This has led many women to seek alternative approaches like Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to safely and effectively manage their perimenopausal symptoms.

 

Perimenopause from a TCM perspective

In TCM, a woman’s reproductive and menstrual health is closely linked to the Kidney system. According to TCM, the Kidney is the most vital and foundational system in the body, in charge of growth, development and reproduction.

As a woman enters perimenopause, the Kidney Yin essence which has been consumed over the years through ageing and reproductive activities becomes depleted. This deficiency in Kidney Yin fails to properly nourish the body, leading to the classic symptoms of dryness, night sweats and insomnia. As Yin energy is also involved in the production of Blood, an imbalance of Yin leads to irregular menstrual cycles.

At the same time, without sufficient Yin to counterbalance it, the Kidney Yang energy becomes excessive and disruptive. This relative increase in Yang energy produces symptoms like hot flashes, irritability and hormonal imbalances.

By understanding perimenopause through the lens of TCM, specific therapies like acupuncture, herbal formulas and lifestyle adjustments can be employed to tonify Yin, clear excess heat and restore balance to your body.

 

Tip 1: Regulate Qi and Blood flow with Acupuncture

During menopause, the declining Yin essence fails to properly nourish the Blood in the body. This can lead to stuck or congealed Blood that disrupts Qi flow. Stagnant Qi and Blood may present as periodic sensations of heat, agitation or irritability. When Qi and Blood become stuck and unable to move freely through the meridians and vessels, it obstructs the body’s natural harmonising abilities.

Acupuncture aims to remove these blockages by stimulating specific points along the meridian pathways. Inserting fine needles at certain acupoints helps re-establish the flow of Qi and Blood. This restored circulation alleviates symptoms caused by stagnation and restores balance in the body.

Common acupoints used to regulate Qi and Blood for perimenopausal concerns include:

San Yin Jiao 三阴交 (SP6)

Nourishes Blood, regulates menstruation, alleviates night sweat

Guan Yuan 关元 (RN4)

Harmonises Chong Ren vessels, regulates hormonal imbalances, relieves hot flashes

Tai Xi 太溪 (KI3)

Boost Kidney Qi, nourish Yin, promote sleep

 

Shen Men 神门 (HT7)

Calms the mind, relieves insomnia and irritability

Tai Chong 太冲 (LV3)

Soothes Liver Qi, improves mood and relieves breast tenderness

Research shows that acupuncture treatment using points like these was highly effective in reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes without any side effects [6]. Beyond just addressing acute symptoms, regular acupuncture can help re-establish harmony in the body’s energy flow. By regulating the flow of Qi and Blood, it supports a graceful, balanced transition through perimenopause changes.

 

Tip 2: Nourish Yin and Tonify Kidney Essence with Herbal Medicine

According to TCM, the root imbalance driving many perimenopausal symptoms is Kidney Yin deficiency. Herbal medicine targeted towards replenishing depleted Yin and Kidney essence is an effective way to alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia and irregular periods. Some commonly used TCM herbs include Dang Gui 当归 (Angelica sinensis), Shu Di Huang 熟地黄 (Rehmannia), Gou Qi Zi 枸杞子 (Goji berries)

1) Dang Gui 当归 (Angelica sinensis) – Nourishes and invigorates Blood, regulates menstrual cycle
2) Shu Di Huang 熟地黄 (Rehmannia) – Deeply nourishes Yin deficiency, enriches Kidney essence
3) Gou Qi Zi 枸杞子 (Goji berries) – Replenishes Yin deficiency, tonifies Liver and Kidney

These Yin-nourishing and Kidney-tonifying herbs can be combined into tailored formulas to address the specific symptoms and imbalances an individual is experiencing during perimenopause. Studies have found that Chinese herbal medicine effectively provides relief for perimenopause symptoms and does not increase endometrial thickness, which is a common side effect of hormone therapy.[7]

However, it’s crucial to receive proper guidance rather than self-prescribing. A certified TCM practitioner can assess each person’s unique body constitution and prescribe the appropriate herbal medication based on your symptoms. Under proper guidance, nourishing herbal therapy can be an invaluable treatment modality for easing the transition.

 

Tip 3: Support Liver Qi and Soothe the Heart with Mind-Body Practices

In TCM, the Liver system is intimately tied to the smooth flow of Qi and emotional well-being. When Liver Qi becomes stagnant or constrained, it can manifest as issues like irritability, depression and anxiety – all common experiences during perimenopause. The hormonal shifts of this transition can strain the Liver’s ability to move Qi smoothly and maintain a calm, unobstructed state. Emotional stressors and frustrations further congest Liver Qi, creating a vicious cycle that exacerbates physical and psychological symptoms.

Incorporating mind-body practices like Qi Gong, Tai Chi, and meditation can be powerful allies for supporting healthy Liver Qi circulation while calming the Heart spirit during this tender time. These exercises help improve Qi circulation, removing blockages in the meridian channel and bringing the body to a more balanced state. This fosters mental clarity and fortifies the body’s healing ability to navigate the transition gracefully.

At Oriental Remedies Clinic, we complement traditional treatments with tech-enhanced therapies to boost patients’ recovery. Cell Pro Therapy provides the living body with reducing electrons (negatively charged electrons) to promote the recovery of our self-defence power through a made-in-Japan wellness device. Painless and effective, this therapy is often recommended to help improve circulation, cellular metabolism and immune function.

These negatively charged ions also have the effect of balancing the autonomic nervous system and relieving stress, thus restoring balance in the body to help smoothen the perimenopausal process.[8]

Your healing is the most important!

The years leading up to menopause can present a multitude of physical and emotional challenges as hormones fluctuate. While the path is unique for every woman, relief from perimenopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes and irregularities is attainable through a holistic approach. through TCM with certified physicians to help you reclaim vitality and embrace this powerful transition with grace. Consult our physicians at +65 8087 0486 for a targeted treatment plan.

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This article is written by Physician Amanda Kok (Oriental Remedies Group, Singapore), a registered TCM physician certified by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board (TCMPB).

Physician Amanda Kok

Physician Amanda Kok is a dedicated practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with a profound commitment to holistic healthcare and patient well-being. With a journey that began from a place of curiosity that evolved into a passion, she aims to utilise her knowledge of TCM to impact the health and well-being of the wider community positively.

A graduate of the double degree programme of Biomedical Sciences and Traditional Chinese Medicine at Nanyang Technological University, Physician Kok strongly believes in the combination of TCM and technology-enhanced therapies to help patients recover faster. Drawing from diverse internships under esteemed TCM physicians in Beijing, Singapore, and Malaysia, she developed a keen interest in mental wellness, pain management and dermatological conditions.

With a compassionate heart and unwavering dedication, Physician Kok prioritises understanding her patients’ body constitutions to craft personalised treatment plans for expedited recovery. She advocates for a holistic approach to healthcare, empowering patients on their journey to becoming the best versions of themselves.

 

Disclaimer:

The content on this page is for information and educational purposes only. Such medical information may relate to disease, injury, drugs and other treatments, medical devices and/or health products. Medical information does not amount to advice, and if advice is needed an appropriate professional help should be sought. The disclaimer asserts that no warranties or representations are given in respect of the medical information, and that the website operator should not be held liable if a user suffers any injury or loss after relying upon the medical information.

Any devices used for technology-enhanced therapies are intended for use only for general well-being purposes or to encourage or maintain a healthy lifestyle, and is not intended to be used for any medical purpose (such as the detection. diagnosis, monitoring, management or treatment of any medical condition or disease). Any health-related information provided by this device or software should not be treated as medical advice.

 

References:

[1] Santoro N. Perimenopause: From Research to Practice. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2016 Apr;25(4):332-9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4834516/

[2] Woods NF, Mitchell ES. Symptoms during the perimenopause: prevalence, severity, trajectory, and significance in women’s lives. Am J Med. 2005;118(suppl 12B):14–24. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16414323/

[3] Freeman EW, Sammel MD, Lin H, et al. Duration of menopausal hot flushes and associated risk factors. Obstet Gynecol. 2011;117(5):1095-1104. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3085137/

[4] Rossouw JE, Anderson GL, Prentice RL, et al. Risks and benefits of estrogen plus progestin in healthy postmenopausal women: principal results From the Women’s Health Initiative randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2002;288(3):321-333. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12117397/

[5] Liu Z, Ai Y, Wang W, et al. Acupuncture for symptoms in menopause transition: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2018;219(4):373.e1-373.e10 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30125529/

[6] Lund KS, Siersma V, Brodersen J, et al. Efficacy of a standardised acupuncture approach for women with bothersome menopausal symptoms: a pragmatic randomised study in primary care (the ACOM study)BMJ Open 2019;9:e023637. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6501989/

[7] Xu LW, Jia M, Salchow R, et al. Efficacy and side effects of chinese herbal medicine for menopausal symptoms: a critical review. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : Ecam. 2012 ;2012:568106. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3551256/

[8] Suzuki S, Yanagita S, Amemiya S, et al. Effects of negative air ions on activity of neural substrates involved in autonomic regulation in rats. Int J Biometeorol. 2008; 52(6):481–489. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18188611/

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