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Health and Wellbeing

Menopause hot flushes are only one part of a much bigger picture. Every woman’s menopause experience is different, and treatment should reflect that individuality.

When people think about menopause, hot flushes are often the first symptom they imagine. While they’re certainly common, they are only one part of a much bigger picture. Some women never experience hot flushes at all. Others feel cold far more often than hot, making the stereotype of menopause feel completely at odds with their own experience.

In Chinese Medicine, menopause is seen as a natural transition rather than an illness. As Kidney function gradually declines with age, a pattern known as empty heat can develop. This may cause feelings of internal heat, night sweats or intense flushing, sometimes followed by an unexpected sensation of deep cold. Some women describe these episodes as if the heat comes from deep inside their bones—a feeling traditionally known as “bone steaming.”

The First Signs of Perimenopause Are Often Unexpected

Many women are surprised to discover that hot flushes aren’t usually the first symptom they notice.
Long before periods stop, hormone fluctuations can affect the brain, nervous system and energy levels. The hormonal changes of perimenopause place significant demands on the body. Just as teenagers often need more sleep while their bodies develop, or early pregnancy can bring overwhelming tiredness, perimenopause can leave women feeling completely exhausted as their hormones adjust.
Some women also notice acne returning, increased body odour, or changes in their skin and hair.

Listening to Women’s Experiences

As part of my dissertation, I chose to study women’s own experiences of menopause rather than relying solely on medical symptom lists. Since 2020, awareness and research into menopause have increased dramatically, which is encouraging.
However, much of the available research still focuses on the workplace—how menopause affects attendance, productivity and career progression.
While this is important, women’s lives extend far beyond work. They are mothers, partners, carers, business owners, friends, artists, volunteers and individuals with emotional, physical, sexual and spiritual needs that all deserve equal attention.
Every woman’s menopause experience is different, and treatment should reflect that individuality.

Common Symptoms of Menopause

Menopause can be associated with a wide range of possible symptoms, some of which have been recorded in UK research, including:

  • Hot flushes
  • Night sweats
  • Insomnia
  • Brain fog
  • Memory problems
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Anxiety
  • Low mood
  • Depression
  • Fatigue
  • Heart palpitations
  • Joint pain
  • Breast tenderness
  • Dizziness
  • Pins and needles
  • Crawling skin sensations
  • Tearfulness
  • Panic attacks
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Urinary urgency or incontinence
  • Pain when passing urine
  • Reduced libido or other sexual changes
  • Frequent headaches
  • Loss of muscle strength
  • Dry skin
  • Brittle or thinning hair

These symptoms don’t affect everyone, and they don’t all occur together. Every menopause journey is unique.

How Chinese Medicine Can Help

In practice, I often see women whose main concerns aren’t on the standard symptom lists at all.
Digestive problems, bloating, stubborn weight gain, poor energy, disrupted sleep and signs of blood deficiency are all common patterns I treat. Rather than focusing on menopause as a diagnosis alone, Chinese Medicine looks at how your whole body is functioning and tailors treatment to your individual needs.
Whether you’re looking for natural support, want to reduce your reliance on hormones, or would simply like additional support while taking HRT, acupuncture treatments are designed around you.

Looking for Personalised Support?

If you’re experiencing symptoms of perimenopause or menopause and would like an individual approach to your health, I’d love to help.
Together we can explore how Chinese Medicine may support your wellbeing, ease your symptoms and help you navigate this transition with greater confidence and comfort.

Meet Abigail at Anahata

Abigail Acquaviva is passionate about supporting women through the changes that come with perimenopause and menopause. Having experienced her own perimenopause journey and received treatment at Anahata herself, Abigail brings both professional knowledge and personal understanding to her work. Her approach is warm, individual and supportive, helping women feel heard and empowered as they navigate their own unique journey.

If you’re exploring how acupuncture and Chinese Medicine may support you through perimenopause and menopause, you may also enjoy Abigail’s related articles:

Research and further reading

The information and symptom list discussed in this article is informed by research including: