Perimenopause and Menopause
Perimenopause does not always arrive with a clear announcement.
For some people it starts gradually: periods that become a little unpredictable, nights that are restless for no obvious reason, a low-level mood shift that is hard to explain. For others it is more sudden. Hot flushes that come out of nowhere. A kind of mental fog that makes concentration feel like an effort. A body that seems to be working to a different set of rules than it used to.
If any of that sounds familiar, you are in very good company, and you do not have to push through it on your own. Helping women through perimenopause and menopause is something our acupuncturists do regularly, and it is an area they know well.
What is the difference between perimenopause and menopause?
Perimenopause is the transition period leading up to menopause, typically lasting anywhere from two to ten years, though it varies considerably. During this time, oestrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate unpredictably, which is what produces such a wide and sometimes contradictory range of symptoms. Menopause itself is defined as twelve consecutive months without a period. After that point you are in post-menopause, though many of the associated symptoms can continue for some time beyond it. The experience varies hugely from person to person. There is no single version of perimenopause, which is part of what makes it so hard to recognise and navigate.
What symptoms can perimenopause and menopause cause?
The most commonly reported include:
Hot flushes and night sweats. Sudden waves of heat, often with flushing and sweating, that can happen at any time of day or night. For some people they are mild and infrequent; for others they are frequent enough to significantly disrupt sleep and daily life. Sleep difficulties. Trouble falling asleep, waking in the night, or never quite reaching deep sleep even when exhausted. Sometimes linked to night sweats, though not always. Mood changes. Anxiety, low mood, irritability, or emotional ups and downs that feel out of proportion or harder to manage than usual. Some people describe feeling unlike themselves. Brain fog. Difficulty concentrating, forgetting words, or feeling mentally slower than normal. This can be particularly unsettling when it is new for you. Joint and muscle aches. Often underrecognised as a perimenopause symptom, aching joints and muscle stiffness are common during hormonal transitions, particularly in the hands, knees, and hips. Irregular or heavier periods. Cycles can become unpredictable during perimenopause: shorter or longer, lighter or heavier, before eventually stopping altogether. Fatigue. A deeper tiredness that does not shift with rest, often made worse by poor sleep. Reduced libido and vaginal dryness are also common, and something our team is used to discussing without any awkwardness. Not everyone experiences all of these. Many people have two or three symptoms that are significantly affecting their life, alongside others they barely notice. The picture is always individual.
How we treat perimenopause and menopause at BTC
Acupuncture is our primary recommendation for women going through perimenopause and menopause. Our acupuncturists are trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which takes a whole-body approach to hormonal health rather than treating each symptom in isolation. Rather than targeting one complaint separately, treatment looks at the full picture and is tailored to what each person is actually experiencing.
Acupuncture can help with many of the symptoms associated with this stage of hormonal transition, including hot flushes, sleep disruption, mood changes, and fatigue. Results vary between individuals, and our team will always be honest with you about what you can expect at your specific stage and with your particular presentation.
Ready to book your appointment?
We offer a range of treatments to help you feel your best. Book online,
call us or visit our centre to schedule your appointment.
Do I need a diagnosis to come in?
No. If you think you might be in perimenopause, that is enough reason to book. You do not need a letter from your GP, a confirmed diagnosis, or to have ruled out everything else first. Many people come to us before they have had any formal conversation with a doctor about their symptoms, and that is completely fine. If it turns out that what you are experiencing is related to something else, that is still something we can help with. What matters is that something does not feel right, not whether it has a label yet.
Questions people ask us
Can acupuncture help if I am already taking HRT?
Yes. Acupuncture and HRT are not mutually exclusive, and a number of our patients use both alongside each other. Some people find that acupuncture helps to manage symptoms that HRT alone does not fully resolve, such as sleep difficulties, mood changes, or anxiety. Our acupuncturists are experienced in working alongside other treatments and will always ask about what you are currently taking at your first appointment.
I have not been officially diagnosed with perimenopause. Should I wait for confirmation before booking?
There is no need to wait. Perimenopause can be difficult to diagnose definitively, particularly in the earlier stages, and many GPs use symptoms rather than blood tests to make the call. If you recognise the symptoms and things feel different from how your body used to feel, that is reason enough to come in. Our team will take a full history and build a clear picture of what is going on for you.
Does acupuncture help with all perimenopause symptoms, or mainly the hot flushes?
Hot flushes are what many people associate with acupuncture in this context, but our acupuncturists look at the full picture rather than treating symptoms individually. Sleep, mood, energy, and physical discomfort are all part of the same hormonal pattern, and treatment is built around the whole. What responds best does vary between individuals, which is why the first appointment focuses on understanding your specific experience before any conclusions are drawn.
When is the right time to come in? Do I have to wait until things are really bad?
You do not have to be at breaking point to come in. If you are starting to notice changes, earlier is generally more useful than later. There is nothing to be gained from waiting until symptoms are significantly affecting your life before seeking support.
Related Conditions
Heavy or Painful Periods: Heavy or irregular periods are one of the most common experiences in perimenopause. If heavy bleeding is a significant part of what you are dealing with, our page on heavy and painful periods has more on how acupuncture can help.
Still Not Sure?
If you're in pain and wondering whether we can help, that's exactly why we're here. You don't need to know what the problem is. You don't need a referral. You just need to take the first step. Book online today or call 020 7733 9944 to speak to us.