Acupuncture for Menopause and Weight Loss

Holistic approaches, such as acupuncture, are gaining widespread acceptance as alternatives to traditional Western medicine, with growing interest from scientific research. Emerging studies suggest that acupuncture can indirectly support the management of menopause symptoms, including weight gain.

Continue reading to discover the effectiveness of acupuncture for menopause and weight loss, and understand how and why it delivers promising results. 

Menopause and Its Impact on Weight Loss

Menopause occurs when a woman’s menstrual periods cease permanently. It typically affects women between the ages of 45 and 55. During menopause, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels decline, and these hormonal changes affect metabolic rate, reduce insulin sensitivity (impairing glucose metabolism), and promote changes in fat distribution. 

Common menopause symptoms include:

• hot flashes and night sweats (vasomotor symptoms)

• sleep disturbances (insomnia or change in sleep patterns) 

• tendency toward weight gain (redistribution of fat in the abdominal area)

• mood changes (irritability, anxiety, or depression)

• changes in vaginal health and sexuality (vaginal dryness and reduced libido)

Learn how fasting apps like Fastic can support your weight loss journey by offering personalized meal plans, tracking your progress, monitoring sleep patterns, and providing tailored advice to your specific questions.

How exactly does menopause cause weight gain?

During menopause, declining estrogen levels slow the metabolic rate and reduce insulin sensitivity, leading to more efficient fat storage and less fat utilization. Additionally, estrogen regulates fat breakdown and storage, so its decline can increase enzyme activity that promotes abdominal fat accumulation. 

Understanding Acupuncture and Its Benefits

Acupuncture consists of strategically inserting very thin needles through the skin at different points of the body. It is popular for treating pain and stress management. In traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is recognized as a technique for balancing the flow of energy, or life force, known as qi. The insertion of needles at specific points is believed to help restore balance to the body’s energy flow. In Western medicine, it is viewed as a method to stimulate the central nervous system, including nerves, muscles, and connective tissues.

Acupuncture is mostly used to relieve chronic pain related to a variety of conditions and diseases, including:

• Headaches and migraines

• Immune system disorders

• Lower back, neck, and muscle pain

• Cancer and cancer treatment side effects

• Menstrual cramps

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

• Sports injuries

Acupuncture for Weight Loss During Menopause

Acupuncture for menopause and weight loss targets specific points thought to improve digestion, reduce cravings, and enhance energy balance. These benefits contribute to a healthier body, fostering mental and physical well-being while encouraging a more active lifestyle.

Can acupuncture directly help with weight gain from menopause?

Acupuncture for weight gain during menopause is not a direct solution to losing weight. However, acupuncture, like chiropractic care for weight loss, may indirectly support weight loss efforts. 

Various studies have demonstrated that acupuncture can impact hormones linked to weight management. A trial investigating the influence of acupuncture on specific hormones in obese women found that acupuncture significantly reduced insulin and leptin levels while increasing plasma ghrelin and cholecystokinin (CCK) levels, resulting in weight loss and a decrease in body mass index. The reduction in leptin and insulin levels improved energy regulation and suppressed appetite, while the increase in ghrelin and CCK enhanced satiety signaling and digestion. The combination of hormonal effects is believed to have contributed to the participant’s weight loss.

Moreover, another study on the effects of acupuncture on obese women with or without perimenopause found that acupuncture significantly reduced body weight and obesity indexes in both groups. However, the weight loss occurred earlier in women with simple obesity compared to those with perimenopausal obesity. 

Acupuncture for Other Menopause Symptoms: What Does Science Say?

Studies exploring the effects of acupuncture on other menopausal symptoms highlight promising outcomes, addressing both physical and mental health challenges. 

Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

A meta-analysis of 12 randomized control trials determined that acupuncture improves hot flashes frequency and severity, and menopause-related symptoms in women experiencing natural menopause, with clinical effects lasting up to 3 months. A randomized controlled trial investigating acupuncture’s effects on menopause symptoms revealed that participants experienced a 37.6% reduction in the frequency of hot flashes and night sweats after 6 months. 

Sleep, Anxiety, and Depression

The same study also reported that participants had significantly fewer sleep problems, and additional positive effects on other menopause symptoms, such as somatic and memory symptoms, and anxiety. The previously mentioned meta-analysis revealed that acupuncture demonstrated marked superiority over placebo in mitigating Self-Rating Anxiety Scale scores and was found to be more effective in reducing Self-Rating Depression Scale scores than either placebo used. Another small study found that one weekly acupuncture treatment for 5 weeks reduced hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and sleep disruptions in women with menopause.

Even though these studies show promising results, it is important to note that it is not 100% certain that the benefits on sleep and other symptoms are direct effects of acupuncture or secondary to the reduction of vasomotor symptoms. 

Alternative Strategies for Weight Loss During Menopause

Don’t worry—if acupuncture isn't your preferred method for tackling weight gain during menopause, there are other weight loss strategies to help you manage menopause and its symptoms.

Additional wellness approaches to support you through menopause include:

Calorie deficit

A calorie deficit involves consuming fewer calories than the body expends, forcing it to resort to stored fat for energy. Achieving a consistent calorie deficit through portion control, a well-balanced diet, and regular exercise can promote weight loss.

Fasting

Fasting involves structured periods of eating and not eating, which encourages the body to switch from burning glucose to burning stored fat. Popular methods include intermittent fasting (e.g., 16:8 or 20:4) and extended fasting. If fasting has sparked your interest, take the Fastic quiz to discover the fasting protocol that best suits your weight goals.

Low-carb diet

This diet restricts carbohydrate intake, prompting the body to burn fat for fuel instead of relying on glucose. Reducing carbs can also improve insulin sensitivity. The ketogenic diet is a popular example. 

Learn more about how these weight loss strategies compare, so you can choose the one that best aligns with your specific weight goals and overall lifestyle. 

Acupuncture as a Tool, Not a Cure-all

As mentioned before, it is unclear whether the benefits of acupuncture are directly related to the treatment or a result of reduced vasomotor symptoms. Having said this, acupuncture should be used as a supplemental therapy. To effectively manage weight gain during menopause, it’s best to combine it with recognized weight loss strategies. Be sure to work with a licensed and experienced acupuncturist to ensure a safe treatment. 

Disclaimer: It is advised to speak with a health professional before beginning intermittent fasting or a diet program. There may be side effects for people with certain medical conditions.