Hormone Support During Peri-Menopause: How Acupuncture and HRT Work Together
- Dr. Chantal Davis
- 16 hours ago
- 3 min read
Peri-menopause is a time of profound hormonal change. Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, and thyroid hormones all fluctuate, leading to symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, fatigue, sleep disruption, and changes in libido.
For women in San Diego seeking hormone support, combining acupuncture with targeted hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help regulate these changes naturally, safely, and effectively.
Whether you’re experiencing unpredictable cycles, hormonal migraines, or just feeling “off,” understanding how each hormone works—and how to support it—can make a world of difference.
How Acupuncture and HRT Support Estrogen During Peri-Menopause
Estrogen regulates the menstrual cycle, protects bone density, supports cardiovascular health, and influences mood and sleep. During peri-menopause, estrogen levels fluctuate unpredictably, which can trigger hot flashes, night sweats, irregular periods, and breast tenderness.
HRT use:Transdermal estrogen (patches or gels) provides a steady level of hormone and often reduces hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness with fewer systemic effects.
Acupuncture complement:In Chinese Medicine, estrogen fluctuations are connected to Kidney Yin and Blood deficiency, allowing Heat to rise. Acupuncture nourishes Yin, cools the system, calms irritability, and helps the body adapt to shifting estrogen levels—enhancing the effectiveness of HRT and sometimes allowing for a lower dose.
Progesterone in Peri-Menopause: Benefits of Acupuncture and Bioidentical HRT
Progesterone helps calm the nervous system, regulate the menstrual cycle, support sleep, and balance estrogen. As ovulation becomes inconsistent in peri-menopause, progesterone naturally drops, sometimes leading to symptoms like bloating, anxiety, insomnia, and estrogen dominance.
HRT use:Micronized bioidentical progesterone can support women experiencing irregular cycles, insomnia, PMS-like symptoms, or breakthrough bleeding.
Acupuncture complement:Progesterone corresponds to Kidney Yang and Spleen Qi. Acupuncture strengthens these systems, smooths Liver Qi, improves sleep, reduces anxiety, and promotes overall hormonal harmony.
Testosterone Changes in Peri-Menopause and How Acupuncture Complements HRT
Testosterone plays an essential role in energy, libido, motivation, focus, and muscle tone. Its gradual decline in peri-menopause can contribute to fatigue, low libido, and feeling less “yourself.”
HRT use: Low-dose testosterone therapy can improve sexual function, confidence, and vitality.
Acupuncture complement: In Chinese Medicine, testosterone is connected to Kidney Yang and Jing (essence). Supporting these systems with acupuncture restores vitality, nourishes energy, and supports libido naturally—often enhancing the benefits of low-dose testosterone therapy.
Cortisol, Stress, and Peri-Menopause: The Role of Acupuncture in Hormone Balance
Cortisol regulates stress, energy, and metabolism. Chronic stress and cortisol dysregulation can worsen peri-menopausal symptoms by disrupting sleep, increasing anxiety, and contributing to weight changes.
HRT use: While cortisol isn’t replaced directly, stabilizing estrogen and progesterone through HRT can reduce cortisol spikes and improve resilience.
Acupuncture complement: Acupuncture regulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, calms the nervous system, improves sleep, and helps balance cortisol production—supporting overall hormone stability.
Thyroid Symptoms During Peri-Menopause and How Acupuncture Helps Regulate Hormones
Thyroid hormones influence metabolism, energy, and temperature. Because peri-menopause affects estrogen and progesterone, it can indirectly impact thyroid function and conversion.
HRT use: While thyroid hormones are replaced independently from other HRT, stabilizing estrogen and progesterone often improves thyroid efficiency.
Acupuncture complement: In Chinese Medicine, thyroid symptoms often involve imbalances in the Heart, Kidney, and Spleen systems. Acupuncture helps restore communication between these organ systems, improving energy and supporting metabolic balance.
Combining Acupuncture and HRT for Peri-Menopause: What You Need to Know
Peri-menopause doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By combining acupuncture and HRT, women can:
Reduce hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings
Improve sleep, energy, and libido
Support natural hormone balance
Minimize side effects
Potentially use lower doses of HRT while maintaining symptom relief
Important note: HRT is not the right choice for everyone. Some women have health conditions, sensitivities, or personal preferences that make HRT unsuitable. Menopausal symptoms can still be effectively treated with acupuncture, lifestyle changes, nutrition, and integrative, evidence-based approaches.
If you do consider HRT, it should be managed by a medical provider who is up to date on the latest menopause and HRT research, whether a physician (MD/DO) or licensed naturopathic doctor (ND). Safe HRT use requires individualized care, proper dosing, and ongoing monitoring.
This combined approach addresses both the biomedical effects of hormones and the energetic imbalances described in Chinese Medicine, creating a comprehensive plan for navigating peri-menopause with more ease and clarity.
Schedule Your Appointment
If you’re in San Diego, you can schedule an acupuncture appointment to create a personalized plan for your hormonal needs. For those further away, I offer virtual coaching to guide you through peri-menopause with nutrition, lifestyle, and acupuncture-informed strategies. Reach out for a list of a few of the providers that are located in San Diego.
✨ Take control of your hormones — and your life — naturally and effectively.
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