Acupuncture for Hormone Balance: Holistic Women’s Wellness
Do you experience irregular periods or unexplained weight gain? Feeling more tired than usual? It may be a sign of a hormonal imbalance. 80% of women experience hormonal imbalances and about 70% are not aware that they may have one. Left overlooked, this can put women’s health at risk.
In this blog, Dr. Carolyn Cook, Miami Acupuncturist, MSOM, AP, Dipl Canonical Chinese Medicine, LMT, shares how acupuncture is an excellent partner in positively influencing female hormonal functioning for a happier, healthier you.
What is a hormonal imbalance?
To begin, it’s important to first understand what a hormonal imbalance is. By increasing awareness of this widespread condition, we can better recognize its symptoms, seek timely medical advice, and take proactive steps toward maintaining hormonal health.
Hormonal imbalance is having too much or too little hormone in the blood, which disrupts the body’s normal functioning. The human body contains over 50 known hormones. That said, one out of place may affect the following essential bodily processes:
- metabolism
- blood sugar and blood pressure
- reproductive cycles
- sexual function
- mood
- stress levels
- general growth and development
What are the signs and symptoms of hormonal imbalances for women?
Hormonal Imbalances
For Adolescents
Symptoms may include:
- Headaches
- Painful periods
- Acne
- Extreme fatigue
- Mood swings
- Menstrual irregularities
For Adults
Symptoms may include:
- Weight changes
- Anxiety
- Changes in sex drive
- Acne
- Menstrual irregularities
- Hirsutism, or excessive hair
- Hyperpigmentation (darker patches on the skin)
- Poor nutrition
- Low physical activity
- High body weight
Dr. Cook notes that hormonal imbalances may fluctuate during menstrual cycles and at different life stages. It’s best to consult with your local physician to check for any underlying conditions.
How does acupuncture help in hormonal balance?
Acupuncture is anchored in the teachings of TCM, wherein balance is achieved through the harmonic flow of qi (life force energy) and the Yin and Yang forces within the body.
In other words, acupuncture is not just a symptom-based treatment, but a holistic approach to restoring systemic equilibrium. A licensed acupuncturist, like Dr. Cook, addresses underlying energy disruptions by stimulating physiological processes related to pain relief and healing.
The healing process at Miami Herbs begins with a thorough consultation with Dr. Cook. She will assess your pulse and identify patterns of imbalance. Then, she will assess your emotional, environmental, and lifestyle factors to determine the cause and treatment of your hormonal imbalance.
By inserting fine, sterile needles into selected points, TCM practitioner Dr. Carolyn restores the optimal flow and balance of Qi, helping to heal your hormonal issues.
Here are the key research findings of acupuncture for hormonal health:
- Influences levels of key sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), with effects varying by condition.
- Modulates estrogen and gonadotropin levels for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) models and menopausal syndromes
- Reduces menstrual pain and premenstrual syndrome symptoms
- Improves mood and lessen anxiety
- Enhances uterine and ovarian blood flow
- Supports embryo implantation and overall reproductive function
In a touching testimonial, Dr. Carolyn’s patient said that her acupuncture helped relieve more than just their hormonal problems, but also their other ailments:
“I would highly recommend Dr. Carolyn. She is an amazing and very thorough acupuncturist. She has been treating me for a tendinitis foot problem along with herbs to help me with anxiety, sleep, hormones, etc. She also does cupping and is a very patient and caring doctor. If you’re looking for a very educated and caring acupuncturist- this is the place!”
New to Acupuncture? Let’s Start Your Healing Journey
For women, hormonal imbalances can hinder them from living their lives to the fullest. It’s time we listened to our bodies.
Focus on restoring balance to our bodies through non-invasive, time-tested and gentle methods of healing, such as acupuncture in Miami, Kendall, or Coconut Grove area.
Begin your healing journey by scheduling a consultation with us.
Sources
https://www.northwell.edu/obstetrics-and-gynecology/fertility/expert-insights/11-unexpected-signs-of-hormonal-imbalance
Huizen, J. (2023, October 23). Hormonal imbalance: Symptoms, causes, and treatment. Www.medicalnewstoday.com. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321486
Ko, J. H., & Kim, S. N. (2018). A Literature Review of Women’s Sex Hormone Changes by Acupuncture Treatment: Analysis of Human and Animal Studies. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2018, 3752723.
https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/3752723