Menopause is a normal life passage and doesn't have to be uncomfortable or overwhelming. Many patients come to me with varying stages of menopause. I have had great success in relieving menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, anxiety and sleeplessness. Every woman experiences menopause in her individual way; this is precisely why Five-element acupuncture is so effective as it is based on individual needs rather than formulaic point combinations.

Fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones are the cause of the varying symptoms. They play a role in regulating temperature, metabolism, mood and bone formation. While the ovaries' activity decreases, estrogen and progesterone cycles become more erratic. A good place to start with helping alleviate symptoms is with the diet. I discuss several trigger foods with patients and set out to eliminate these foods for a short period in order to cleanse the system. After several weeks of being symptom free, trigger foods may be re-introduced to test for re-occurrence of symptoms.

Premarin is a frequently prescribed medication in the US. With the combination of acupuncture and herbal formulas, patients have found relief from symptoms and been able to avoid such prescriptions altogether. There are numerous side effects of estrogen replacement therapy, including increased risk of breast and uterine cancer, gallbladder disease and endometrial carcinoma. It is key that women have a choice in their treatment and control over their bodies.

I have also worked in conjunction with a homeopath, Dr. Theresa Dale and patients have had good results (www.wellnesscenter.net).