Navigating Perimenopause: How Acupuncture Can Help (Yes, Really!)

If your 40s or early 50s have brought mysterious hot flushes, mood swings, and periods that seem to have a mind of their own, welcome to perimenopause—the stage before menopause where hormones start throwing surprise parties, and nobody knows who invited them. According to Newson Health, perimenopause can last from a few months to around a decade, often starting in your early 40s. Symptoms? Oh, just a little something called memory fog, low energy, bloating, dry skin, joint aches… the list goes on .

So why is this happening? Hormones, mainly estrogen and progesterone, start fluctuating. Your body’s receptors, which are everywhere from brain to belly, feel the changes. Think of it as your hormones throwing a rave—lights, smoke, and music included—but nobody told the DJ to stop.

Here’s where acupuncture can come to the rescue. Traditional Chinese Medicine sees perimenopause as an imbalance in the body’s energy flow. Acupuncture may help regulate this, easing symptoms like hot flushes, mood swings, sleep problems, and fatigue. Studies suggest that regular acupuncture can support hormone balance, reduce stress, and improve overall wellbeing. For many women, it’s like giving your internal thermostat a much-needed reset:

• Acupuncture for Perimenopausal Symptoms – A study in Trials found acupuncture can help relieve common perimenopausal issues (link).

• Acupuncture for Sleep – Research in Sleep showed improvements in peri-menopausal insomnia (link).

• Electroacupuncture for Hot Flashes – A 2023 study reported fewer hot flashes in early postmenopausal women (link).

• Acupuncture for Menopausal Symptoms – Evidence shows benefits for hot flashes, sleep, and mood (link).

• Acupuncture for Depression & Insomnia – Can help improve mood and sleep during perimenopause (link).

Lara Briden, in The Period Repair Manual, emphasizes listening to your body and supporting it naturally whenever possible. Combining lifestyle changes—like diet, exercise, and yes, acupuncture—can help make this transition smoother .

Even if you’re not ready to dive straight into hormone therapy, acupuncture is a gentle, low-risk option that complements other strategies. Think of it as a little self-care magic: tiny needles, big relief. And the best part? It’s an excuse to pause, breathe, and maybe even chuckle at the absurdity of a hot flush mid-Zoom call.

Perimenopause can feel like a rollercoaster you never asked to ride—but you don’t have to face it alone. As someone who has been through it myself, I understand the mood swings, hot flushes, and occasional “why is this happening to me?!” moments.

At my clinic, I offer a calm, welcoming space where you can pause, breathe, and receive treatments tailored to support you through this transition. I’m here to help you feel more like yourself again.

Think of it as self-care with purpose: effective, relaxing, and designed with your wellbeing in mind. Together, we can make this phase a little gentler—and maybe even a bit enjoyable (well, as much as perimenopause allows!).

Rebecca Side. Side by Side, Acupuncture. Sevenoaks, Otford, Kent.