Acupuncture for Irregular Periods
For those who suffer from irregular periods, discomfort and unpredictability can disrupt everyday life.
Acupuncture is an ancient practice that has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including menstrual irregularities.
This time-tested method uses thin needles inserted into specific points on the body to stimulate healing energy flow and correct imbalances in the body. Let’s discuss how acupuncture can help regulate irregular periods and alleviate the accompanying symptoms.
What Are Irregular Menstrual Cycles?
Irregular periods mean when the length of your menstrual cycle is always changing. A normal menstrual cycle ranges from 28-29 days long. Women should have a period at least every 35 days. The irregular cycle is usually longer the 35 days or shorter than 23 days
Women can have different symptoms during periods. It will be different each month on the length of the cycle. They include:
- PMT, feeling emotional, agitated
- Lower abdomen cramps
- Tender breasts
- Lower back pain
- Headaches, migraines
- Night sweats
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Late periods over 35 days long
- Short periods around 25 days long
- Long follicular phase
- Lack of ovulation, known as an anovulatory cycle
Causes of Irregular Menstruation
- Stress
- Extreme weight loss or gain
- Medical conditions like PCOS- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- High levels of prolactin (hyperprolactinaemia)
- Underactive Thyroid- Hypothyroidism
- Perimenopause
- Side effects post hormonal contraception like the contraceptive pill
Western Treatment For Irregular Periods
To decide on the best treatment, the correct diagnosis first need to be made by your GP. A simple blood test to rule out hormonal imbalance or referral to an endocrinologist would be good. Very often, patients are just given the pill again to “regulate the cycle” However, this will not help if you are trying for a baby or if you have PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), the pill will worsen symptoms.
As per the study conducted by Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and its systematic review, moxibustion treatments relieve pain during menstruation and as a preventative measure. The findings imply that this traditional therapy may aid in regulating a woman’s menstrual cycle and blood circulation.
Can Acupuncture Help With Irregular Menstrual Cycle, And How?
I have seen many times in my clinic the true power of acupuncture points and how they can help regulate women’s cycles. Thanks to acupuncture, hormones can be regulated, the blood flow to the uterus can be directed to help with the regular flow, and acupuncture can help lower stress and anxiety and other uncomfortable or painful symptoms during the period.
Acupuncture can help during periods with:
- Mood swings, PMT
- Eases or stops Lower back pain, abdominal cramps, and tender breasts
- Regulates AMH levels
- Regulates hypothalamus
- Regulates insulin levels, which can influence regular ovulation
- Improves thickness of endometrium lining
- Nourishes follicles
- Supports implantation process
By balancing hormones like estrogen, testosterone, FSH and AMH, acupuncture can help to regulate irregular periods. This creates harmony between the brain and ovaries in the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Ovarian (HPO) axis. Plus, acupuncture also improve blood flow, encourages energy balance throughout the body, reduces stress and anxiety, and regulates the endocrine and nervous systems. All of these elements help to alleviate irregular periods.
It does not matter if you are trying to conceive or suffering from irregular periods. Please get in touch with me directly to discuss treatment or to book your first appointment with me. I am based in Caversham, Reading. You can expect a personalised treatment designed specifically for your needs when you come for an acupuncture treatment session.
