Traditional Chinese Medicine and HRT
Let’s dive into something deeply personal and powerful: navigating perimenopause and menopause.
As someone in the midst of perimenopause myself, I understand this transition intimately. Like so many of you, I’ve had to make decisions about how best to support my health and well-being during this phase of life. For me, that’s meant embracing an integrative approach, combining Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) with the time-honored practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Why? Because I believe in using every tool available—modern medical advances and ancient wisdom alike—to support optimal health and vitality.
My Personal Perspective
In my own journey, I’ve found that HRT is a valuable tool in the right circumstance, while TCM practices like acupuncture and herbal medicine bring balance, address lingering symptoms, and enhance my overall wellness. It’s not about choosing one or the other—it’s about finding what works best for you.
This philosophy underpins the care I provide in my practice as well. Many of the women I work with are using HRT, and I’ve seen how beautifully TCM can complement hormone therapy to create a truly holistic approach to perimenopause and menopause.
How TCM Enhances HRT
In my experience, TCM and HRT are a dynamic duo. Here’s how they work together to support your health:
- Optimizing HRT Effectiveness: Acupuncture can help improve hormone receptor sensitivity, allowing your body to make the most of the hormones it’s receiving.
- Reducing Side Effects: Chinese herbal formulas can be customized to help minimize unwanted side effects of HRT, such as bloating or breast tenderness.
- Addressing Lingering Symptoms: HRT isn’t always a complete solution. TCM treatments can help manage symptoms that may not fully resolve, such as insomnia, anxiety, or joint pain.
This integrative approach empowers you to feel your best during this significant life transition.
A Holistic Philosophy
In TCM, perimenopause and menopause aren’t seen as problems to be fixed—they’re natural transitions, an opportunity to embrace a new phase of life. Symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, or night sweats are signs that your body is seeking balance. TCM focuses on addressing the root cause of these imbalances, helping you feel more in tune with yourself, body and soul.
In my Newport studio, I work one-on-one with women to tailor treatments that meet their unique needs. From acupuncture and Chinese herbs to lymphatic drainage and microcurrent therapy, my goal is to help you thrive at every stage of life.
Let’s Support Your Journey
If you’re curious about how TCM can complement your HRT—or if you’re exploring options for managing perimenopause and menopause symptoms naturally—let’s chat. You can start by reading my blog post here or book a free consultation to discuss your unique needs.
Together, we’ll create a plan that works for you.
Latest blog post
Let’s talk about something that’s frustrating and all too common: thinning hair during midlife.
If you’ve noticed more strands in your brush or that your ponytail feels a little smaller, you’re not alone. Hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause can trigger hair loss or thinning, and it’s a big concern that I hear from women in my practice.
The good news? You’re not powerless here.
Acupuncture & Chinese Herbs are my favorite tools for supporting hair health in midlife. It’s not just about hair—it’s about addressing the why behind the loss. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, hair is closely connected to the health of your blood, circulation, and vital essence (we call it “jing”). When these are nourished, your hair thrives.
Here’s how acupuncture helps:
✨ Boosts Blood Flow: Tiny needles stimulate circulation to your scalp, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles.
✨ Balances Hormones: Acupuncture supports your endocrine system, helping with the hormonal imbalances that can trigger shedding.
✨ Reduces Stress: Chronic stress wreaks havoc on your hair. Acupuncture calms your nervous system and promotes relaxation—key for hair health.
Of course, it’s not all needles and relaxation. Supporting hair growth takes a holistic approach:
✔️ Nourish your body with a balanced, protein-rich diet.
✔️ Consider adaptogenic herbs like He Shou Wu for their hair-strengthening properties.
✔️ Prioritize self-care to reduce stress (remember, stress is a hair-loss accelerator!).
Your hair is a reflection of your inner health, and midlife is the perfect time to embrace a little extra TLC.
Read the post here →