World Menopause Day 2025
World Menopause Day reminds us how much progress we’ve made in understanding menopause and how important it is to keep supporting women through every stage of the journey. Each year, roughly 6 million women begin perimenopause, with up to 80% feeling the effects of challenging symptoms.
What is menopause and why does it matter?
Menopause is a natural life transition marked by the end of menstrual cycles, typically occurring in the late 40s to 50s. Hormonal fluctuations, especially falling oestrogen, can lead to a variety of symptoms, many of which can affect daily life, relationships, sleep, mood, and wellbeing.
Common symptoms include –
• Hot flushes / night sweats
• Irritability, mood swings, anxiety
• Fatigue / low energy
• Low libido / sexual changes
• Muscle aches, mild joint pain
• Vaginal dryness / urogenital changes
• Sleep disturbances / insomnia
Because menopause is a normal physiological transition, many women expect to “just get through it.” Yet, the symptom burden is real and evidence-based integrative support can make a meaningful difference.
This year’s theme: Menopause Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy (HT or HRT) remains one of the most studied and effective treatments for menopausal symptoms, especially vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes). However, it isn’t suitable or preferred for everyone. This means many women seek safe and effective non-hormonal or integrative options.
At Health Balance, we see women exploring complementary approaches (acupuncture, Chinese medicine, osteopathic care) alongside or in lieu of hormone therapy, depending on individual risk–benefit factors.
How acupuncture & related therapies may assist:
At Health Balance, we integrate acupuncture (often combined with osteopathy and Chinese medicine principles) in women’s health care. Some key points:
• The ACOM study (a pragmatic RCT in Denmark) showed that a standardised acupuncture protocol over 5 weekly sessions significantly reduced hot flush frequency, night sweats, sleep problems, emotional and physical symptoms compared with control (no treatment) over 6 weeks.
• A broader NCCIH-funded trial (Menopause: Acupuncture in Menopause, or AIM study) with 209 women found that acupuncture reduced physiological symptoms by ~36.7%, and had positive effects on sleep, memory, mood, and quality of life. Some benefits persisted up to 6 months.
• Meta-analyses support that acupuncture can reduce both the frequency and severity of hot flushes, though effects on mood, sleep, and sexual symptoms are more variable.
• Acupuncture may assist with regulating hormonal balance, endorphins, thermoregulatory control, and inflammatory mediators.
Likewise, osteopathic and manual therapies can support musculoskeletal discomfort, tension, postural changes, and stress relief during this transitional life stage. Our Osteopath, Melina Conte, incorporates lifestyle, movement and bodywork to support menopausal symptoms.
How we at Health Balance Clinic support women through menopause
1. Individualised assessment – medical history, risk factors, symptoms, and preferences
2. Multimodal treatment plans – possibly combining:
Acupuncture (targeted for physical & emotional symptoms)
• Chinese herbal medicine (where safe and appropriate)
• Osteopathic / manual therapy for musculoskeletal, tension, sleep & stress
• Nutritional & lifestyle advice (sleep hygiene, diet, exercise, stress management)
• Collaboration or referral to allied health where necessary
3. Ongoing monitoring – tracking symptom changes, side effects, and safety
4. Shared decision-making – your values, goals, and comfort guide choices
Join the conversation:
This World Menopause Day, let’s break stigma, empower women with knowledge, and encourage open dialogue about symptom relief and whole-person care.
If you (or someone you care about) are navigating menopausal symptoms, we’re here to help. Drop us a message or book an appointment to explore evidence-informed options together.
