Menopause and perimenopause bring about a range of symptoms, from hot flashes and night sweats to mood swings and sleep disturbances. While Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can help many women manage these symptoms, it is not suitable for everyone. Some women have medical conditions that make HRT too risky. In this blog, we’ll explore the conditions that contraindicate HRT and alternative treatments, focusing on acupuncture and herbal remedies as natural ways to manage menopause symptoms.

What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?

HRT is a treatment designed to replace estrogen (and sometimes progesterone) in women whose levels of these hormones drop due to menopause. While effective for many, HRT can increase the risk of serious health issues in some women, making it inappropriate for those with certain medical conditions.

Conditions that are contraindicated for HRT:

Women with the following health conditions are generally advised against using HRT:

1. Breast Cancer (History or High Risk) Women with a personal history of breast cancer, or a high risk of developing breast cancer, should avoid HRT, especially estrogen-based therapies. Estrogen can fuel the growth of certain types of breast cancer.

2. Endometrial Cancer or Uterine Hyperplasia Women who have had endometrial cancer or conditions like uterine hyperplasia (a thickened uterine lining) should avoid HRT, as estrogen can increase the risk of cancer recurrence.

3. Heart Disease or High Risk of Cardiovascular Disease HRT is not recommended for women with heart disease or a high risk of cardiovascular disease, as it may raise the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

4. Blood Clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis or Pulmonary Embolism) Women with a history of blood clots in the veins or lungs should not use HRT, as it can increase the risk of developing more clots.

5. Liver Disease HRT can be problematic for women with liver disease because the liver metabolizes hormones, and an impaired liver may struggle to process estrogen.

6. Unexplained Vaginal Bleeding Women with undiagnosed vaginal bleeding should not start HRT until the cause of the bleeding has been identified, as it could be a sign of a more serious condition like cancer.

Natural Alternatives: Acupuncture and Herbal Remedies

For women who cannot use HRT or prefer a more natural approach to managing menopause symptoms, acupuncture and herbal medicine offer promising alternatives.

Acupuncture for Menopause Relief

Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese medicine practice, involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow, or Qi. It is believed that balancing this energy can help improve various health issues, including menopause symptoms.

• Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: Acupuncture has been shown in several studies to reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and night sweats in menopausal women. By targeting points related to temperature regulation, acupuncture can help the body maintain a more balanced internal environment.

• Mood Swings and Sleep Disturbances: Many women report improvements in mood and sleep quality after regular acupuncture sessions. Acupuncture helps reduce anxiety and stress, which can worsen during menopause due to hormonal fluctuations.

• Improved Overall Well-Being: Beyond specific symptoms, acupuncture promotes relaxation and a sense of well-being. Many women find that it enhances their overall quality of life during menopause.

Acupuncture is widely regarded as a safe and effective treatment with minimal side effects. It’s also a holistic approach, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of menopause.

Herbal Remedies for Menopause

Herbal medicine has been used for centuries to manage menopause symptoms. Although scientific evidence is still evolving for many of these remedies, women often turn to herbal treatments as natural, gentler alternatives to pharmaceuticals. Here are some of the most popular herbs used to ease menopause symptoms:

• Black Cohosh: Black cohosh is one of the most well-known herbs for menopause, often used to relieve hot flashes and night sweats. Some studies suggest that it may help balance hormones, though the exact mechanism is not fully understood. Women who prefer a non-hormonal option often turn to this herb.

• Soy and Phytoestrogens: Soy contains phytoestrogens, plant compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. These compounds can help reduce hot flashes and maintain bone density, making soy and soy-based products a popular choice for menopause management.

• Red Clover: Another herb rich in phytoestrogens, red clover may help balance hormone levels and reduce the frequency of hot flashes. It is often used in conjunction with other natural remedies for broader support.

• Dong Quai: Used in traditional Chinese medicine, dong quai is sometimes called "female ginseng" due to its benefits for women’s health. It is believed to improve blood flow and help regulate hormone imbalances that occur during menopause.

• Chasteberry (Vitex): Chasteberry has long been used to balance female hormones. It may help alleviate symptoms like mood swings and breast tenderness by influencing the body’s production of progesterone and prolactin.

Combining Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine

For some women, combining acupuncture with herbal remedies provides even greater relief from menopause symptoms. While acupuncture helps balance the body’s energy and improve emotional well-being, herbal supplements work from within to manage physical symptoms.

The Menopause Clinic at Odenton Acupuncture

Our world recognized practitioner Dr. Zhou has spent decades researching women’s health and hormone related conditions.  He provides safe, natural, non pharmaceutical relief for women experiencing menopause and perimenopause related symptoms.  Everyday Dr. Zhou is successfully helping women feel more and more like themselves through acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.