Menopause & Chinese Medicine: Second Spring
Approximately 52.8 million women in the U.S.—about one in three—are in perimenopause or menopause. Perimenopause, the transition leading up to menopause, typically begins between ages 40 and 55 and may last 8–10 years. During this time, hormone levels fluctuate, often causing a wide range of symptoms. Menopause is defined by 12 consecutive months without menstruation and marks a natural decline in ovarian function, typically around age 52. This drop in estrogen, while normal, is associated with major metabolic changes.
During this transition, estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, insulin, and mitochondrial function levels shift dramatically. The long-term decline in estrogen increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, cognitive decline, and some cancers. Research shows menopause raises total and visceral fat, blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood glucose. At least 80% of women experience symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, heart palpitations, joint pain (especially bilateral), hair loss, brain fog, memory issues, paresthesia (pins and needles), disequilibrium, dizziness, trouble swallowing, formication (skin crawling sensation), vaginal dryness, libido loss, urinary issues, anxiety, and insomnia.
Conventional Treatment: A 2014 Yale study analyzing insurance claims from over 500,000 menopausal women found that 60% of those with significant symptoms sought medical care, yet over 75% went untreated. This treatment gap largely stems from the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative Study, which raised concerns about hormone therapy (HT). While that study was later shown to be flawed, its impact caused long-standing hesitation. A 2024 JAMA study revealed that less than 2% of menopausal women currently use HT.
Despite misconceptions, HT remains a highly effective option for managing symptoms and protecting long-term health. Today’s treatments involve lower doses and safer formulations. HT can reduce hot flashes, mood changes, and sleep disturbances while helping prevent bone loss and cardiovascular issues. Alongside HT, other symptom-specific medications and evidence-based lifestyle changes, such as exercise, nutrition, and stress management, can improve quality of life.
Chinese Medicine Treatment: In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), menopause is understood differently. Rather than focusing solely on estrogen loss, TCM attributes the transition to the natural decline of Kidney Essence. As Kidney Yin, which nourishes and cools the body, declines, Yang becomes relatively excessive, leading to symptoms such as night sweats, hot flashes, dryness, and emotional changes. TCM sees each woman’s unique experience through this transition as an expression of long-standing imbalances.
TCM offers a safe and effective alternative for those unable or unwilling to pursue HT. A 2019 British Medical Journal study found that weekly acupuncture treatments over five weeks significantly reduced hot flashes and night sweats while improving sleep and mood. Functional MRI (fMRI) scans show that acupuncture activates brain regions tied to hormone regulation, pain relief (via endorphins), and anxiety reduction (via neurotransmitters). Chinese herbal medicine, taken consistently over weeks or months, also helps regulate symptoms and can be adjusted as women move through different stages.
In TCM, menopause is known as the “Second Spring”—a time of renewal and self-cultivation. Supporting women through this phase involves more than symptom relief; it includes regulating the nervous system, improving sleep, reducing inflammation, balancing hormones, supporting mitochondrial health, and fostering healthy movement and nutrition. With a complete, integrative approach, women can embrace this phase with resilience, vitality, and empowered choice.
Dr. Jennifer Savage is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and the owner of Wú Wéi Wellness in Old Town Beaverton, with over 25 years of experience in healthcare. To schedule an appointment, call 503.530.8097 or visit www.bewuweiwell.com.
