Perimenopause & Menopause

Natural Treatment for the Symptoms of Perimenopause & Menopause

Experiencing menopause or irregular menstruation? We combine the tools of Traditional Chinese Medicine (acupuncture and Chinese herbs) with Functional Medicine to identify the root causes of imbalance and treat menopausal symptoms such as:

Menopause is a normal physiological transition occurring between the age 48 – 55 years (average age 51), marked by a shift in the hormonal environment, a decline of ovarian function, and the end of menstrual cycles. Perimenopause, also called the menopausal transition, refers to the time during which your body makes the natural transition to menopause, marking the end of the reproductive years.

Identifying Perimenopause & Menopause

Perimenopause has no blood test, it is diagnosed based on symptoms and context. Some of the characteristics of perimenopause for people who have regular cycles include:

• New onset heavy and/or longer flow

• Shorter menstrual cycles (25 days or less)

• New sore, swollen or lumpy breasts

• Increased period pain

• Onset of nightsweats, especially premenstrual

• New or markedly increased migraine headaches

• Weight gain without changes in eating or exercising

• New or increased premenstrual mood swings

• New onset insomnia

If you are older than 35, and have at least 3 symptoms, than you are likely in perimenopause

Menopause is the phase of life that begins 1 year after your last period.

Our Approach

Most of the people we see at the Rocky Coast Integrated Medicine are looking for a safer, holistic and more individualized approach to managing perimenopause and menopause symptoms. 

We strive for identification of the root cause, balancing the Yin and Yang of the body through the energetic system of the Kidney to alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms. We focus on the Kidneys because according to traditional Chinese medicine, the Kidneys are not only the center of the body’s Yin and Yang but also the foundation for the body’s reproduction and development.  

Chinese medicine views menopause as the natural decline of Kidney Yin, which is the cooling, moistening and calming aspect of the body. When the yin becomes deficient, the reactive excess of Kidney Yang leads to too much heat, thus presenting as hot flashes, night sweats, constipation, vaginal dryness, insomnia, anxiety and migraines.

Acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary adjustments, exercise, massage, and meditation are the tools we employ when addressing menopausal symptoms. We take into consideration the whole person, knowing that every aspect of one’s life can be impacted by this challenging and exciting time.