Acupuncture for Amenorrhea
For women who are struggling with absent periods, there is hope.
y targeting certain points on the body, acupuncture for amenorrhea treatment can help restore overall hormonal balance, helping regulate your period for a healthier cycle.
Also, regular menstrual cycles are essential if you’re trying to conceive.
Acupuncture has been used for centuries to help women regulate their menstrual cycle and bring balance back to their bodies. B
What Is Amenorrhea?
Amenorrhea is another word for the absent period. We have two types of amenorrhea:
- Primary Amenorrhea when the period just never came to start with.
- Secondary Amenorrhea is when period s absent for about 3-6 months, sometimes even more. Hypothalamic Amenorrhea is the most common cause of secondary amenorrhea
Causes of Amenorrhea are:
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Perimenopause
- Due to stress, Illness, Trauma, Surgery
In cases of stress, the Hypothalamus, which is in charge of your hormones, may decide to suppress reproduction and stop your period temporarily. It is a protective mechanism; being stressed could mean you are in a dangerous situation like an illness like polycystic ovary syndrome, and your body thinks it is not the best time to have a baby. The follicle-stimulating hormone by the pituitary gland and normal menstrual cycles are affected. That period of suppression and hormonal imbalance can become chronic and is called Hypothalamic Amenorrhea.
Under-eating can also cause Hypothalamic Amenorrhea. Post-pill amenorrhea, the body, after stopping contraception, may need a few months for detox and to start having regular periods; roughly, it should come back after 3 months, but if still no sign after 6 months, this should be investigated.
Lack of periods can also be caused by:
- Thyroid disease
- Celiac disease
- PCOS (Polycystic ovarian syndrome)
- High Prolactin level, which should only be present in your body while pregnant
High prolactin will suppress ovulation completely or slightly; if so, ovulation will still happen, but the corpus luteum function (old follicle), which produces progesterone, is suboptimal. Eating too much soy as soy is high in plant estrogenic-phytoestrogen.
Western Treatment For Amenorrhea
The most common treatments for amenorrhea are contraceptive pills, hormonal medications, and other prescription drugs. These treatments aim to induce a regular menstrual cycle and restore fertility and blood flow. Depending on the patient, some side effects may occur from hormone-based medications, so it’s important to be aware of potential risks. In addition, patients may choose to see a functional medicine nutritionist who can help create an individualized diet plan that allows for optimal nutrient intake and helps reduce any underlying causes of amenorrhea.
Can Acupuncture Help With Amenorrhea, And how?
In addition to traditional western treatments, there is also the option of acupuncture for those who suffer from amenorrhea. Acupuncture works by stimulating vital energy points in the body to restore balance and health in the reproductive organs. This traditional Chinese medicine can be a very effective and natural way to treat amenorrhea, especially for those deficient due to diet or over-exercising. Additionally, the long-term use of birth control pills can cause delays in getting your period back.
In my clinic, I tailor treatments on an individual basis and often recommend lifestyle changes as well. If you try acupuncture, find an acupuncturist specialising in women’s health and fertility. I am a fertility support-trained acupuncturist and can provide more guidance if needed. Get in touch today!
