In Chinese medicine, menopause is a natural change in the body's balance, not an illness. As the body's Yin, the cooling, nourishing side, gradually declines, heat can rise. That's traditionally linked to hot flushes, night sweats, broken sleep and feeling on edge. Stress and tension can add to it through the Liver, bringing irritability, low mood and tight shoulders. Tiredness, brain fog and changes in weight are often linked to the Spleen and Kidney being run-down.

Treatment is built around which symptoms bother you most. It aims to support your body's balance, ease hot flushes and night sweats, help you sleep and feel calmer, and bring your energy back up. Many women find it helps them feel more like themselves again. Results vary from person to person. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine work in their own right and can sit alongside HRT, your GP's care or any other treatment. Please tell us what you're taking so we can plan around it.

If you have heavy or irregular bleeding, any bleeding after menopause, or new symptoms that worry you, please see your GP.

People attend AcuFusion with a range of menopause and perimenopause concerns, including:

• Hot flushes

• Night sweats

• Difficulty sleeping

• Fatigue

• Mood changes and anxiety

• Brain fog and difficulty concentrating

• Headaches

• Joint aches

• Changes to menstrual cycles during perimenopause

These are among the common symptoms associated with menopause and perimenopause recognised by the HSE.

Treatment is tailored around your individual symptoms rather than using the same approach for everyone.

Acupuncture has been studied specifically for vasomotor symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats.

Research comparing acupuncture with no treatment has found reductions in the frequency and severity of these symptoms in some studies. However, acupuncture has not consistently shown an advantage over sham acupuncture.

This means it may be something you choose to explore as an additional form of support, rather than a guaranteed treatment.

Sleep disruption is a common symptom of menopause and perimenopause.

Your acupuncture treatment can take into account factors such as night sweats, stress and difficulty switching off at night. We may also discuss simple sleep-hygiene and relaxation strategies that can support better sleep alongside your treatment.

Mood changes, anxiety, irritability and low mood can occur during menopause and perimenopause.

Acupuncture can be used as part of a broader approach focused on relaxation and wellbeing.

If you're experiencing persistent low mood, depression or significant anxiety, we also recommend speaking with your GP. The HSE lists options including HRT and CBT depending on your symptoms and circumstances.

Yes, acupuncture can generally be used alongside HRT.

William will ask about all medication and hormone treatment you're currently using so that this can be taken into account when planning your sessions.

Acupuncture should complement rather than replace prescribed treatment, and any changes to your HRT should be discussed with your GP or menopause specialist.

No.

You don't need to choose one or the other. Many people choose complementary treatments while continuing conventional menopause care.

HRT remains an established medical treatment for a number of menopause symptoms, particularly hot flushes and night sweats.

Acupuncture can sit alongside that care if you would like additional support.

For many people, yes.

Perimenopause can begin before periods stop completely and symptoms can include changing cycles, hot flushes, sleep problems, mood changes and other symptoms.

Your health history and current symptoms will be reviewed during your first appointment so that treatment can be tailored appropriately.

If you have unusual symptoms or changes that require medical investigation, William may recommend speaking with your GP.

There isn't a fixed number of sessions suitable for everyone.

It depends on the symptoms you're experiencing, how long you've had them and how you respond to treatment.

William can recommend an initial treatment schedule after your first consultation, with progress reviewed as treatment continues.

Your first appointment includes a detailed consultation followed by acupuncture treatment.

We will ask about your symptoms, menstrual history, sleep, stress, general health and any medication you're taking, including HRT.

Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment methods such as pulse and tongue diagnosis may also form part of the consultation.

We will then explain your treatment plan and answer any questions before beginning acupuncture.

Yes, particularly if your symptoms are significantly affecting your quality of life or you're unsure whether menopause is the cause.

The HSE recommends speaking to your GP if menopause symptoms are difficult to manage.

You should also contact your GP about any vaginal bleeding after menopause, even if it only happens once or involves a small amount of spotting.