Acupuncture reduces hot flushes
27 November 2009
Acupuncture may substantially reduce hot flushes in perimenopausal women, without side effects, a multi-centre trial has found. (Perimenopause is the period of time from when you start to get menopausal symptoms to when your periods eventually stop.)
Researchers in South Korea compared symptoms after acupuncture plus usual care versus usual care only in 175 women (Menopause 2009; in press).
Women receiving acupuncture showed clinically significant reductions in number and severity of hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms, the researchers said, although a placebo effect could not be ruled out.
After 12 sessions of treatment for 4 weeks, hot flushes were more than halved in the acupuncture group, whereas the usual care group showed a 27 per cent reduction.
Usual care included over-the-counter medicines for minor symptoms not related to hot flushes, and supplements such as evening primrose oil, vitamins and phytoestrogens.
Last Reviewed: 27 November 2009
- 1. Kim KH, Kang KW, Kim DI, et al. Effects of acupuncture on hot flashes in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women - a multicenter randomized clinical trial. Menopause 2009; in press
