A systematically analysed data of 12 independent clinical studies
with 869 menopausal patients showed that acupuncture treatment not only
significantly reduced menopause severity but had long-lasting improvement in
symptoms, according to a study published in journal Menopause: The Journal of
the North American Menopause Society.
Although hormone therapy and antidepressants are
effective in relieving many symptoms of menopause they have high risk of
developing chronic cardiovascular diseases and many others following long-term
use.
Researchers in Taiwan, using meta analysis that allows a
more objective appraisal of evidence than traditional review and provides
precise estimate of treatment effect, combined data from 12 qualified
independent clinical acupuncture studies and evaluated efficacy of acupuncture
on menopause. They found that acupuncture markedly reduced frequency, severity
of hot flashes, and other menopause-related symptoms such as headache,
palpitation and depression. Acupuncture-induced improvement lasted 1-3 months after
the end of treatment.
Acupuncture is a good alternative treatment for
patients with menopause.
Reference:
Chiu HY et al., Effects
of acupuncture on menopause-related symptoms and quality of life in women on
natural menopause: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Menopause.
2014 Jul 7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25003620
