A stylishly dressed woman in her forties, just seated, nervously asks if she is going through menopause as her menstrual cycle has become irregular, with months passing between periods. Thus, the following straightforward explanation about menopause unfolds.

Different stages of menopause

Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. The aforementioned case's condition falls under the perimenopausal stage, which typically occurs around the age of 40. In this stage, some women may experience irregular periods, increased or decreased bleeding, as well as symptoms related to estrogen such as breast tenderness, mood swings, and insomnia.

When a woman's menstrual cycle completely ceases, it signifies the entry into the menopausal stage. This stage can last for several years, during which women may experience more menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, changes in sexual desire, vaginal dryness, and urinary incontinence.

As women enter the postmenopausal stage, their bodies gradually adapt to the decline in estrogen levels, and menopausal symptoms diminish or disappear. However, due to the decrease in estrogen, women may face some long-term health risks after menopause, such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases.

Integrative Medicine Treatment in Menopause in Women

Apart from symptoms, blood tests are common ways to analyse the health conditions of menopause women in Western medicine. In addition, physician provides specific consultation on menopause-related conditions, such as prevention of cardiovascular diseases, check for breast cancer, cervical screening test, genitourinary system issues, and osteoporosis.

It is important to emphasize that Chinese medicine treatment for menopausal symptoms should be individualized based on each person's condition. It is proper to seek treatment under the guidance of a qualified Chinese medicine practitioner and undergo regular follow-ups and evaluations of the treatment effectiveness. When choosing Chinese medicine treatment methods, it is also possible to integrate the recommendations and treatment approaches of Western medicine. Integrative medicine treatment approach is widely used in many cases to achieve a more comprehensive and effective treatment outcome.

Causes of Menopause’s Discomfort from Chinese Medicine Perspective

From the perspective of Chinese medicine, menopause in women is viewed as a transition phase in life. It is attributed to the gradual decline of kidney Qi, leading to an imbalance of yin and yang. During menopause, Chinese medicine practitioners typically diagnose and treat based on the aspects of kidney deficiency, liver stagnation, and blood stasis, aiming for ideal therapeutic effects.

Chinese Medicine Treatment on Menopause

Chinese medicine employs various methods for treating menopause, including herbal medicine, acupuncture therapy, and dietary adjustments.

For example, acupuncture can help alleviate symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. Chinese medicine also places great emphasis on the impact of diet on health. Based on an individual's constitution and symptoms, appropriate dietary recommendations are provided. This includes consuming specific foods such as black beans, black sesame seeds, and black-boned chicken, as well as avoiding stimulating foods and excessive intake of certain foods.

Integrative Medical Centre, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong and The Chinese University of Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Specialty Clinic cum Clinical Teaching and Research Centre and CUHK Medical Centre are launching ‘Integrative Medicine Treatment in Menopause in Women: A Pilot Service Program’ to help relieving symptoms and discomfort caused by menopause. Participants can enjoy the integrative medicine treatment services at discounted price during the first three months after joining the program:

Details

* Terms & Conditions:

• This program only applies to the service provided by designated physician and Chinese medicine practitioners in the Integrative Medical Centre, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong and The Chinese University of Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Specialty Clinic cum Clinical Teaching and Research Centre.
• This promotional offer is applicable to new patients or whose have not visited Integrative Medical Centre within 1 year only.
• All treatment plans are subject to clinical judgement.
• The 3 doses of Chinese herbal medicine are in concentrated granules or decoction pieces (for internal intake) only, extra or precious Chinese medicine cost are excluded.
• Additional doses of Chinese medicine granules /herbs are charged at $60 per dose (original price at $80), extra or precious Chinese medicine cost are excluded.
• The charges are applicable to “Integrative Medicine Treatment in Menopause in Women: A Pilot Service Program” only. It cannot be used in conjunction with other program.
• Integrative Medical Centre, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Specialty Clinic cum Clinical Teaching and Research Centre and CUHK Medical Centre reserve the right of final decision.
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