Perimenopause: 5 Ways Acupuncture Can Help You Feel Like Yourself Again

Perimenopause — meaning “around menopause” — is a natural transition that many women experience in their 30s, 40s and 50s. During this time, estrogen levels begin to fluctuate and gradually decline, setting the stage for menopause.

Some women glide through this transition with minimal changes. For others, perimenopause brings a rollercoaster of symptoms that can affect mood, sleep, focus, and overall well-being.

The good news? Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can help ease this transition and restore balance — naturally and without unwanted side effects.

What is Perimenopause?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, perimenopause can begin 8–10 years before menopause. During this time, ovarian function declines and hormonal rhythms begin to shift.

Common symptoms include:

• Irregular or shorter menstrual cycles
  
• Hot flashes and night sweats
  
• Mood swings, irritability, or anxiety
  
• Sleep disturbances
  
• Fatigue or low energy
  
• Brain fog and memory changes
  
• Weight gain, hair loss, or vaginal dryness
  

While these changes are normal, they don’t have to feel overwhelming. Acupuncture helps calm your body’s response to hormonal fluctuations — helping you feel more like yourself again.

How TCM Views Perimenopause

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, perimenopause reflects changes in the Liver and Kidney systems.

• The Liver governs the smooth flow of energy and emotions — and plays a major role in the menstrual cycle.
  
• The Kidneys store the body’s jing (vital essence), which naturally declines with age.
  

Acupuncture focuses on nourishing Kidney energy and regulating the Liver to restore harmony between yin and yang — the body’s cooling and warming forces — and ease symptoms of imbalance.

5 Ways Acupuncture Can Help During Perimenopause

1. Hot Flashes & Night Sweats

When the body’s cooling yin energy declines, heat rises to the surface — causing the hallmark hot flashes and night sweats of menopause.

Acupuncture helps by:

• Supporting yin energy and cooling the body naturally
  
• Regulating the hypothalamus (your body’s thermostat)
  
• Promoting blood vessel dilation and circulation
  
• Releasing endorphins for stress relief
  

Research backs this up: A Wake Forest University study found that acupuncture reduced hot flashes and night sweats by 47%, while other studies show up to 80% of women report improvement after six weeks of treatment.

2. Mood Changes

Perimenopause can bring irritability, anxiety, and even “perimenopausal rage.” These emotional shifts often result from hormone-driven changes in serotonin and dopamine — our feel-good neurotransmitters.

In TCM, mood changes are linked to Liver imbalance. When the Liver system is stressed, emotions can easily become stagnant or volatile.

Acupuncture helps smooth the flow of Liver energy, restoring emotional balance and stability. Studies also show acupuncture supports neurotransmitter balance and reduces anxiety and depression — naturally.

3. Brain Fog & Memory Changes

Up to 70% of women experience changes in memory and focus during perimenopause. Estrogen plays an important role in brain function, and when levels drop, concentration and cognition can take a hit.

In TCM, the brain is nourished by the blood and essence of several organ systems — especially the Kidneys, Liver, and Heart. Acupuncture helps regulate and strengthen these systems, improving blood flow to the brain and supporting mental clarity.

Studies have shown acupuncture can enhance cognitive function and protect brain health — even in aging populations.

4. Fatigue

If you feel exhausted no matter how much you sleep, you’re not alone. Fatigue during perimenopause often stems from hormone changes, sleep disruptions, and digestive imbalances.

Acupuncture boosts energy by supporting the Spleen and Stomach — the organs responsible for transforming food into energy. Strengthening these systems prevents the depletion of jing (our stored life energy) and helps you feel more vital and balanced.

Research also shows acupuncture can improve chronic fatigue and enhance sleep quality — both key to rebuilding energy.

5. Menstrual Changes

Irregular periods, skipped cycles, or heavy bleeding are common signs of perimenopause. Acupuncture can help regulate cycles by improving communication along the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, which governs reproductive hormones.

By improving circulation to the uterus and ovaries, acupuncture helps reduce cramps, balance hormones, and make cycles more manageable.u feel more vital and balanced.

Research also shows acupuncture can improve chronic fatigue and enhance sleep quality — both key to rebuilding energy.

A Holistic Approach to the Transition

Acupuncture supports so much more than just symptom relief. It can help with:

🌙 Insomnia

💧 Vaginal dryness

🌸 Decreased libido

💆‍♀️ Skin and hair changes

❤️ Emotional well-being

Perimenopause is a natural part of life — but it doesn’t have to be a struggle. Think of it as a time to reconnect with your body and embrace the wisdom that comes with change. Acupuncture offers a safe, effective way to help you navigate this transition with grace and ease.

✨ Schedule an appointment online or call us at:

• East Nashville: 615-457-1979
  
• Bellevue: 615-645-9866
  

We’re here to help you feel your best — at every stage of life.