Acupuncture for Menopause: Hot Flushes, Sleep and Mood

Hot flushes in the middle of a meeting, night sweats that wreck your sleep, anxiety that seems to come from nowhere: menopause symptoms can affect every part of life, and they can last for years. HRT is the most effective treatment for many women, but it is not suitable or wanted by everyone. That is where acupuncture for menopause symptoms comes in.

This guide explains what the evidence shows for hot flushes, sleep, mood, joint pain and weight, how many sessions you need, and how acupuncture fits alongside HRT and other treatments.

Quick answer

Acupuncture can reduce hot flushes and night sweats for many women, and it is often chosen for sleep problems, anxiety and irritability during perimenopause and menopause. Clinical trials have shown fewer and milder hot flushes after a course of weekly sessions compared with no acupuncture. HRT and CBT have stronger evidence, so acupuncture is best seen as an option for women who cannot take HRT, prefer not to, or want extra support alongside it. A typical course is one session a week for five to eight weeks. At Omnia in Chiswick a 60-minute session is £80.

Does acupuncture help menopause symptoms?

Several randomised trials have tested acupuncture for menopausal symptoms. A Danish trial of women with moderate to severe hot flushes found that five weeks of standardised acupuncture reduced hot flushes, night sweats, sleep problems and emotional symptoms compared with women who had no acupuncture. A larger American study found women who had acupuncture had fewer hot flushes, and the benefit lasted for months after treatment ended.

As with many acupuncture studies, trials comparing real with sham acupuncture show smaller differences, so part of the benefit may come from the treatment experience as a whole. The NICE menopause guideline focuses on HRT and CBT and does not recommend acupuncture specifically. Even so, acupuncture is low risk, and many women find it a helpful part of their menopause care.

Acupuncture for hot flushes and night sweats

Hot flushes have the most research behind them. Women in trials typically reported fewer and less intense flushes after four to eight weeks of weekly sessions. Acupuncture is particularly relevant for women who cannot take hormones, for example some women who have had breast cancer, and trials in this group have also shown benefit. If you have had a hormone-sensitive cancer, always involve your oncology team in decisions about treatment.

Acupuncture for menopause insomnia

Night sweats, anxiety and changes in hormones all disturb sleep. Many women find acupuncture sessions deeply relaxing, and trials report improvements in sleep alongside fewer night sweats. See acupuncture for insomnia for more on sleep.

Acupuncture for menopause anxiety and mood

Anxiety, low mood, irritability and brain fog are common in perimenopause. Acupuncture is often used to help the nervous system settle, and trials have shown improvements in emotional symptoms. If low mood is severe or persistent, speak to your GP, as HRT, CBT or other treatment may be more effective.

Acupuncture for menopause joint pain

Aching joints and stiffness are common around menopause. Acupuncture has good evidence for some types of chronic pain, and it is often used for joint aches during this time. Strength training and staying active are also important for joint and bone health. See knee pain in women.

Acupuncture for menopause weight gain

There is no good evidence that acupuncture causes weight loss during menopause. Weight changes at this stage are linked to hormones, muscle loss and lifestyle, and the most effective approaches are strength training, protein at each meal and sleep. Acupuncture may help indirectly if it improves sleep and stress, which affect appetite. See does acupuncture help with weight loss and does HRT cause weight gain.

How many sessions do you need?

Most trials used one session a week for five to ten weeks. A sensible plan is weekly sessions for five to eight weeks, then a review. Track your hot flushes, night sweats and sleep in a simple diary so you can see whether things are changing. If symptoms improve, sessions are spaced out to every few weeks.

Acupuncture and HRT: can you have both?

Yes. Acupuncture can be used alongside HRT and other menopause treatments. Some women start acupuncture while waiting to see a menopause specialist, or use it to manage symptoms that persist on HRT. Do not stop or change HRT without discussing it with your GP.

When to see your GP

• Any bleeding after menopause, meaning after 12 months without a period
• Very heavy, prolonged or irregular bleeding during perimenopause
• Low mood, anxiety or thoughts of self-harm
• Symptoms that are affecting your work, relationships or sleep
• Menopause symptoms before the age of 45

Read more in when does menopause start and how long does menopause last.

Frequently asked questions

How quickly does acupuncture work for hot flushes?

Many women notice a change within three to five weekly sessions. It is fair to judge after around five to six sessions.

Is acupuncture safe during menopause?

Yes, when performed by a trained practitioner with single-use sterile needles. Tell your practitioner if you take blood thinners or have a history of cancer.

Can acupuncture help perimenopause symptoms?

Yes. The same approach is used for perimenopause, when symptoms such as anxiety, poor sleep and irregular cycles often start.

What do reviews say about acupuncture for menopause?

Many women report fewer flushes, better sleep and feeling calmer. Others notice little change, which is why a short course with a review point is sensible.

Acupuncture for menopause near you in Chiswick

Acupuncture for menopause symptoms is available at Omnia Lifestyle, 8 to 9 Bedford Corner, The Avenue, Chiswick W4 1LZ, close to Turnham Green station, on bus routes 94, E3 and 272. Limited parking is available on request when booking. Our doctor-led Traditional Chinese Medicine team sees women from Chiswick, Hammersmith, Ealing, Acton, Brentford, Kew and across London.

Read more about menopause symptoms, explore acupuncture in London, or book an appointment.

This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have any of the warning signs listed above, speak to your GP.