For women seeking hormone-free menopause management, acupuncture offers a well-tolerated option that addresses multiple symptoms simultaneously, with benefits typically emerging within the first month of treatment. Hot flushes affect around 75% of menopausal women, with many experiencing symptoms for 4-5 years on average. Acupuncture for menopause has emerged as a potential option for treatment, but does it help menopause symptoms? Recent UK and international studies suggest it might. Research shows that acupuncture for hot flashes and other menopause symptoms is promising. 80% of participants reported beneficial effects after six weeks. This evidence review gets into what science says about acupuncture for menopause symptom relief, treatment expectations and UK access options. It also covers realistic limitations of this complementary therapy.
What Is Acupuncture and How Does It Claim to Work for Menopause?
Two distinct theoretical frameworks explain acupuncture for menopause symptom relief. The Western medical model views the practice through a neurophysiological lens, while Traditional Chinese Medicine maintains its ancient energy-based philosophy. Both approaches use thin needles inserted at specific body locations, yet the reasoning behind point selection is quite different.
Western Medical Acupuncture Approach
Western medical acupuncture dismisses traditional concepts. No evidence supports Qi's existence, meridians, or Yin/Yang balance [1]. Practitioners understand the technique as neurological stimulation that produces measurable physiological changes instead.
The standardized approach uses specific points including CV-3, CV-4, LR-8, SP-6, and SP-9 [1][2]. These locations trigger local effects through antidromic axon reflexes and release neuropeptides such as calcitonin gene-related peptide while increasing nutritive blood flow [1]. Point selection depends on neurophysiological effects rather than energy pathways.
Reflex effects involve neurotransmitter release including opioid peptides and serotonin in the spinal cord, brain stem, and brain [1]. This scientific framework underpins current clinical practice in Western countries, where acupuncture serves as one of several HRT alternatives for women seeking natural remedies for menopause.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective
TCM theory proposes that acupuncture reduces pain and treats symptoms of menopause by regulating meridian energy, known as Qi [1][1]. Practitioners insert needles at acupoints believed to be connected by energy pathways throughout the body [3].
The kidney system is where menopausal symptoms originate, which then affects the heart, liver, and spleen [2]. Balancing these organ systems through targeted needle placement wants to restore harmony and reduce symptom severity. This approach to menopause treatment developed recently, with formalized treatment strategies for menopausal syndrome invented in 1964 [4].
TCM practitioners select points to stimulate hormone production, rebalance natural hormone levels, and activate the body's relaxation response [3]. Western clinicians question whether these traditional explanations reflect actual physiological mechanisms, however.
Proposed Mechanisms: Hormones and Nervous System
Several biochemical pathways may explain why acupuncture for hot flashes produces clinical benefits. Estrogen decline during menopause relates to reduced endorphin levels in the hypothalamus [1][2]. Lower endorphins promote serotonin and norepinephrine release, which decreases the set-point in the thermoregulatory center and triggers vasomotor symptoms [1].
Acupuncture increases central opioid activity and stimulates beta-endorphin secretion [3][1]. Elevated beta-endorphins modulate thermoregulation in the hypothalamus and counteract disturbed temperature control that causes hot flushes and night sweats [1][1]. The technique also inhibits GnRH secretion, which may reduce vasomotor symptom frequency [1].
Calcitonin gene-related peptide, a potent vasodilator, appears elevated in women experiencing hot flushes. Acupuncture decreases urinary secretion of this neuropeptide [3][5] and suggests regulatory effects on the calcitonin system. Blood measures show increased estradiol and decreased FSH and LH following treatment courses [5]. These hormonal shifts provide symptomatic relief.
The autonomic nervous system responds to needle insertion as well [1][5]. These changes may address concerns including anxiety and menopause, [sleep after menopause](https://goldmanlaboratories.com/blogs/blog/sleep-after-menopause) difficulties, and even joint pain menopause patients experience. Practitioners sometimes combine acupuncture with other evidence-based approaches like CBT for menopause to optimize outcomes.
Not all observed clinical effects can be explained yet [1]. The mechanisms behind chronic conditions like menopausal hot flushes remain incompletely understood, which complicates efforts to pinpoint exactly how acupuncture for menopause symptom relief functions.
UK and International Evidence: Does Acupuncture Help Menopause Symptoms?
Multiple clinical trials have examined whether acupuncture reduces symptoms of menopause with varying degrees of rigor. The evidence base has large-scale reviews, randomized controlled trials and comparative studies against HRT alternatives. These findings need careful interpretation.
Clinical Trial Results for Hot Flushes
A 2013 Cochrane review analyzed 16 randomized controlled trials with 1155 women. Acupuncture showed no difference in hot flush frequency when compared with sham acupuncture. Flushes were less severe in the acupuncture group, but the effect size was small [6]. The evidence quality was rated as low or very low [6].
The AIM study followed 209 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women for 12 months. VMS frequency declined by 36.7% at 6 months in the acupuncture group while controls saw a 6.0% increase [1]. At 12 months, the reduction from baseline remained at 29.4% and suggested sustained effects [1]. Reductions appeared during the third week of treatment [1].
A Danish trial recruited 70 women with moderate-to-severe menopausal symptoms. Acupuncture for hot flashes decreased hot flushes after five weekly treatments. 80% of participants reported general beneficial treatment effects after 6 weeks [7]. The pattern of decrease was apparent 3 weeks into the study [7].
An Australian study with 327 women found that both real and sham acupuncture led to 40% improvement in hot flush severity and frequency [2]. Needle insertion provided no additional benefit compared with blunt-tipped needle pressure [2].
Evidence for Sleep Disturbances and Night Sweats
The AIM study showed that participants receiving acupuncture for menopause symptom relief reported fewer sleep after menopause problems on all three measures compared to controls [1]. These sleep benefits maintained at 12 months [1].
The Danish study showed decreases in night sweats menopause patients experience. Day-and-night sweats reduced compared to the control group at 6-week follow-up [7]. General sweating also decreased [7].
Effects on Emotional Symptoms and Quality of Life
Women receiving acupuncture showed improvements in anxiety and menopause symptoms. The AIM study found reductions on anxiety scales, with benefits maintained 6 months following treatment end [1]. Women also reported fewer somatic and memory symptoms [1].
The Danish trial recorded decreases in emotional symptoms compared to controls [7]. A separate study on perimenopausal women with generalized anxiety disorder found improvements in anxiety scores with manual acupuncture versus placebo acupuncture [4].
Acupuncture vs Hormone Therapy: What Studies Show
A meta-analysis of 15 RCTs with 1376 patients compared acupuncture directly with hormone therapy. Manual acupuncture improved clinical effective rates and decreased Kupperman index scores compared to HT [8]. Side effects occurred far less with acupuncture [8].
The Cochrane review found acupuncture was associated with more frequent hot flushes than HT [6]. Acupuncture appeared less effective than natural remedies for menopause hormonal treatments for VMS frequency, yet quality of life measures sometimes favored acupuncture [9].
The Placebo Effect Debate
The inability to show superiority over sham acupuncture raises questions about specific versus non-specific effects. Experts note that blinding remains an issue in acupuncture research [10]. Some researchers argue that placebo effects in menopause treatment can be substantial. Symptoms sometimes halve with placebo alone [10].
Critics point out that studies without proper sham controls cannot determine whether observed benefits result from needle insertion or contextual factors [10]. Others suggest that if acupuncture provides safe, affordable symptom relief comparable to CBT for menopause, the mechanism may matter less than patient outcomes [10].
What to Expect from Acupuncture Treatment for Menopause
Understanding what happens during acupuncture for menopause treatment helps set realistic expectations for this menopause treatment approach.
Your First Acupuncture Session
The original appointment begins with a consultation covering symptom patterns, medical history and lifestyle factors [5][11]. Practitioners who follow Traditional Chinese Medicine examine tongue color and coating, check pulses at both wrists and sometimes palpate the abdomen to check for tenderness [3]. This diagnostic process creates a baseline TCM diagnosis before treatment starts [12].
Practitioners insert sterile, disposable needles through the skin to depths ranging from 0.5 to 3 cm based on anatomical location [12]. Sessions last 20-30 minutes with needles in place [11][3]. Most women find the process deeply relaxing. Many fall asleep during treatment [5][13]. A pin prick sensation occurs as needles enter the skin. This is followed by a deep, heavy feeling called "de-qi" once needles reach acupuncture points [3].
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
Treatment frequency starts at once or twice weekly, with adjustments as symptoms of menopause improve [11]. Studies allowed up to 20 treatments over 6 months, though frequency was determined jointly by acupuncturist and participant [12][6]. The number of treatments received in the first 8 weeks substantially predicted outcomes [12].
A well-laid-out approach involves an intensive phase of weekly sessions for 4-6 weeks. This is followed by consolidation treatments every two weeks for 4-8 weeks, then monthly maintenance sessions [14].
Which Menopausal Symptoms May Improve
Does acupuncture help menopause with multiple concerns? Evidence shows benefits for hot flushes, night sweats menopause patients experience, sleep after menopause disturbances, anxiety and menopause symptoms, mood changes and joint pain menopause sufferers report [6][15][16].
Treatment Duration and Response Times
Improvements that are statistically substantial appear after just 3 acupuncture treatments [6]. Maximum clinical effects occur after a median of 8 treatments, corresponding to 7 weeks [6]. Response patterns vary: 11.6% of women experienced an 85% reduction in vasomotor symptoms, while 47% reported a 47% reduction [12]. A smaller group (37.3%) showed only 9.6% improvement, and 4.1% had symptom increases [12].
First improvements emerge after 3-5 sessions. Substantial symptom reduction occurs within 8-10 sessions and stabilization after 12-16 sessions [14]. Many clients notice sleep or hot flush improvements within 3-6 sessions [17].
Safety and Side Effects
Serious side effects occur in less than 1 per 10,000 treatments [3]. Only three women in a 209-participant study reported adverse effects: two experienced pain during treatment and one felt numbness [6]. Minor bleeding or bruising appears in about 3% of treatments, while pain during treatment affects about 1% [3]. Drowsiness can occur post-treatment, though this resolves quickly [3]. Four participants in another trial reported mild effects including tiredness, headache and temporary symptom fluctuations [15].
Women who think over HRT alternatives or natural remedies for menopause alongside approaches like CBT for menopause should discuss acupuncture for menopause symptom management with qualified practitioners.
Getting Acupuncture for Menopause in the UK
You need to understand regulatory frameworks, costs and service availability to access acupuncture for menopause in the UK.
Finding a Qualified Acupuncturist (BAcC Registration)
The UK has no legal regulation for acupuncturists [1]. But you can choose a practitioner accredited by the Professional Standards Authority to get adherence to good standards of practice [1]. The British Acupuncture Council was founded in 1995 and serves as the UK's leading professional body for traditional acupuncturists [7]. All BAcC members complete a minimum three-year degree-level program and adhere to strict Codes of Professional Conduct and Safe Practice [7]. Major insurance providers and NHS employers trust the BAcC as a PSA Accredited Register [7].
Cost of Treatment in the UK
Private acupuncture for menopause symptom management varies widely in price [18]. First treatments lasting 75 minutes cost £80, while 45-minute follow-up sessions cost £60 each [19]. Package deals for menopause treatment may offer six weekly appointments for approximately £345 [20].
NHS Availability for Menopausal Acupuncture
Does acupuncture help menopause through NHS services? Acupuncture is sometimes available on the NHS from GP surgeries or physiotherapists, though access remains limited [18]. The NHS provides acupuncture for migraines or chronic headaches [21] rather than menopausal symptoms of menopause [22].
Private Treatment Options
Most acupuncture patients pay for private treatment [18]. Private practitioners tailor acupuncture for hot flashes and other concerns individually [23]. They address symptoms in a variety of areas including night sweats, anxiety and menopause and joint pain menopause that sufferers experience with HRT alternatives.
Realistic Expectations and Limitations
Who May Benefit Most from Acupuncture
Women experiencing moderate-to-severe symptoms of menopause represent the most relevant candidates for acupuncture for menopause intervention [15]. Those unable to take HRT due to cancer history or high breast cancer risk find acupuncture an excellent alternative. Practitioners report good results managing hot flushes and insomnia in these patients [13]. Women seeking HRT alternatives or natural remedies for menopause among CBT for menopause may find that acupuncture addresses multiple concerns at once [13].
Evidence Quality and Study Limitations
Research quality varies. A 2013 Cochrane review rated evidence as low or very low quality [24]. Researchers recommend more high-quality RCTs [25]. The lack of proper acupuncture placebo comparators has implications for interpreting study results [26][15]. Studies note that identified positive effects could result from placebo rather than specific physiological needling effects [26][15]. Control groups sometimes showed improvement trends in hot flush scales. Regression to the mean potentially explains this [26].
When Acupuncture May Not Be Enough
Chronic health conditions should be addressed under medical supervision, with acupuncture for menopause symptom management serving as adjunct or complement to usual care rather than standalone menopause treatment [25]. Patients should inform doctors at the time they use this approach [25].
Patient Experiences and Testimonials
One woman reported nearly a year without migraines after weekly acupuncture progressed to three-week intervals. She called the experience life changing [27]. Another described weight gain stopping and sleeping through the night. Hot flushes disappeared with acupuncture and herbal remedies [28]. A patient experiencing sleep after menopause difficulties and night sweats noted improvements after a few sessions. She felt more relaxed and able to manage symptoms of menopause [21].
Conclusion
Acupuncture for menopause presents a viable option for women seeking relief from hot flushes, night sweats and sleep disturbances. The evidence reviewed shows that results appear within 3-5 sessions, with most important improvement after 8-10 treatments. The technique offers a safe profile with minimal side effects and proves especially valuable for women unable to take hormone therapy.
The placebo effect debate persists, yet patient experiences show meaningful symptom reduction. Acupuncture may provide the relief many women need, whether through neurophysiological mechanisms or contextual factors. Think about consulting a BAcC-registered practitioner to determine if this approach suits your circumstances and symptom profile.
Key Takeaways
Research shows acupuncture can provide meaningful relief for menopausal symptoms, with 80% of women reporting benefits after six weeks of treatment.
• Acupuncture reduces hot flushes and night sweats - Studies show 36.7% reduction in vasomotor symptoms at 6 months, with effects lasting up to 12 months • Improvements appear quickly - Statistically significant symptom relief typically begins after just 3-5 sessions, with maximum benefits after 8 treatments • Safe alternative to hormone therapy - Serious side effects occur in less than 1 per 10,000 treatments, making it ideal for women who cannot take HRT • Multiple symptoms improve together - Beyond hot flushes, acupuncture helps with sleep disturbances, anxiety, mood changes, and joint pain • UK treatment costs £60-80 per session - Private treatment is widely available through BAcC-registered practitioners, though NHS access remains limited • Evidence quality varies but outcomes are promising - While placebo effects remain debated, patient experiences consistently show meaningful symptom reduction
FAQs
Q1. How quickly can I expect to see results from acupuncture for menopause symptoms? Most women begin noticing improvements after 3-5 acupuncture sessions, with statistically significant changes appearing after just 3 treatments. Maximum clinical effects typically occur after about 8 treatments (approximately 7 weeks). However, response patterns vary considerably among individuals—some women experience dramatic reductions in symptoms within a few weeks, while others may see more gradual improvements over 12-16 sessions.
Q2. Is acupuncture safe for treating menopause symptoms? Yes, acupuncture is considered very safe when performed by qualified practitioners. Serious side effects occur in less than 1 per 10,000 treatments. The most common minor side effects include slight bleeding or bruising at needle sites (affecting about 3% of treatments) and mild pain during treatment (about 1%). Some women may experience temporary drowsiness after sessions, but this typically resolves quickly.
Q3. How much does acupuncture for menopause cost in the UK? Private acupuncture treatment in the UK varies in price. Initial consultations lasting around 75 minutes typically cost £80, while follow-up sessions of 45 minutes cost approximately £60 each. Some practitioners offer package deals, such as six weekly appointments for around £345. NHS availability for menopausal acupuncture is limited, so most women access treatment through private practitioners.
Q4. Which menopause symptoms respond best to acupuncture treatment? Acupuncture shows promising results for multiple menopause symptoms, particularly hot flushes and night sweats. Evidence also supports its effectiveness for sleep disturbances, anxiety, mood changes, and joint pain. Studies indicate that 80% of participants report beneficial effects after six weeks of treatment, with improvements in both physical and emotional symptoms.
Q5. How does acupuncture compare to hormone replacement therapy for menopause? Research comparing acupuncture to hormone therapy shows mixed results. While hormone therapy may be more effective at reducing hot flush frequency, acupuncture produces significantly fewer side effects and can improve quality of life measures. Acupuncture is particularly valuable for women who cannot take HRT due to cancer history or other contraindications, offering a safe alternative treatment option.
References
[1] - https://www.professionalstandards.org.uk/practitioners/acupuncturist
[2] - https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/jan/19/acupuncture-no-better-for-menopause-than-fake-method-says-researchers
[3] - https://www.liddertherapies.co.uk/post/acupuncture-treatment-what-to-expect-on-your-first-visit
[4] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10579903/
[5] - https://zen-lifestyle.com/blog/how-acupuncture-supports-women-through-menopause/
[6] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4874921/
[7] - https://acupuncture.org.uk/
[8] - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34772331/
[9] - https://www.e-jar.org/journal/view.html?pn=myread&uid=2496&vmd=Full
[10] - https://www.sciencemediacentre.org/expert-reaction-to-study-on-acupuncture-for-symptoms-of-menopause/
[11] - https://monicapattacupuncture.ca/acupuncture-blog/acupuncture-for-menopause/
[12] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5266651/
[13] - https://rowenahealth.co.uk/acupuncture-and-menopause
[14] - https://www.sinomedica.com/blog/acupuncture-for-early-menopause-evidence-based-natural-relief
[15] - https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/9/1/e023637
[16] - https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/acupuncture-for-menopause-how-this-alternative-therapy-brought-me-relief
[17] - https://www.proactive-wellbeing.co.uk/blog/which-acupuncture-points-and-protocols-best-support-womens-hormonal-wellness-during-perimenopause-and-menopause
[18] - https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/acupuncture/
[19] - https://www.joridgway.co.uk/acupuncture-during-menopause
[20] - https://gaynorgrozieracupuncture.com/package/acupuncture-for-menopause/
[21] - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-47279032
[22] - https://remedy.bnssg.icb.nhs.uk/adults/menopause/alternatives-and-adjuncts-to-hrt/
[23] - https://caitlinallen.co.uk/acupuncture-for-menopause-and-peri-menopause/
[24] - https://www.cochrane.org/evidence/CD007410_acupuncture-menopausal-hot-flushes
[25] - https://shaftesburyclinic.com/acupuncture-and-the-menopause-the-evidence-base-and-how-it-works/
[26] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6501989/
[27] - https://www.lifeandlemons.clinic/about-acupuncture-at-lifeandlemons/acupuncture-for-menopause/?srsltid=AfmBOopGv7nzvN_rvF_6IEN4_cu4MQROcRw4ZU9ZI0qJDWWPaDCOhpod
[28] - https://yanginstitute.com/marys-treatment-of-menopause-symptoms-with-acupuncture/
