I often treat patients whose cycles have been paused for a while. This could be due to stress, too much exercise, or, sadly, most often, coming off hormonal birth control or other medications. It’s a tough time, as it is often linked to our womanhood, so it’s hard to juggle the physical and mental symptoms. Acupuncture can improve communication between the brain and the ovaries, whilst also helping nudge the body back into its natural rhythm. It can take a number of treatments, often up to three months, although sometimes longer, to ensure that the hormonal balance has been reset. Generally, the approach is very gentle, using minimal needles for maximum effect, and it’s all about improving the blood flow to the pelvic organs. It’s about helping the body feel supported so the cycle can return naturally.

Painful periods are one of the most common reasons women seek acupuncture. It’s also one of the things I feel most sad about as a society; we are led to believe that they are normal. From an acupuncture perspective, they should never cause pain or discomfort, as that’s a sign that something is wrong. Hence, my role is to ensure everything moves smoothly and your body remains in perfect harmony. Modern research shows how acupuncture can work on reducing inflammation, improving blood flow, and balancing our hormones to ensure greater balance. Many of my patients find that after a few sessions, they can cut back or remove their reliance on painkillers completely. It’s not only about dulling the pain; it’s about addressing the underlying imbalance that causes the cramping in the first place.

While acupuncture cannot cure endometriosis, it is a fantastic treatment for managing the symptoms. I work with many patients to help manage the chronic pelvic pain, bloating, and fatigue associated with the condition. By focusing on points that regulate the nervous system and support the body’s natural inflammatory response, we aim to make your cycles much more manageable. Often, patients notice that their flare-ups become less intense and less frequent over time.

Definitely. Acupuncture is very effective at supporting the communication between the brain and the ovaries (often called the HPO axis). Whether your cycles are non-existent, very long, or unpredictable, we work to encourage a more regular rhythm. For patients with PCOS, we focus on hormonal balance and insulin sensitivity. Like fertility work, I usually suggest tracking your progress for about 3 months, as this allows us to see how your body responds across 3 distinct hormonal cycles.

Many of my patients feel like a different person in the week leading up to their period. Acupuncture is wonderful for the emotional side of gynaecological health, helping patients to deal with things like irritability, anxiety, and low mood. It is also effective for physical symptoms like breast tenderness or bloating. By helping the body shift out of fight-or-flight mode and into a calmer state, we can smooth out those hormonal peaks and troughs. It’s about helping you feel more like yourself all month, not just for two weeks.

Yes, this is a very common reason for treatment. Research has shown that acupuncture can be especially effective at lessening the frequency and severity of hot flushes and night sweats. Beyond the flushes, we also look at supporting your sleep and energy levels, which often take a hit during this transition. Every woman’s experience of menopause is unique, so I tailor the points to whether you’re struggling more with the physical heat or the brain fog and anxiety that can come with it.

The simple answer is that it really depends on your history and what we are treating. For chronic issues like endometriosis or long-term irregular cycles, I usually recommend weekly sessions for the first 4 to 6 weeks. This gives us a chance to see how your body shifts through a full cycle. Once your symptoms start to improve, which many people notice within the first few sessions, we can begin spacing the appointments to once a month for "maintenance" to keep everything in balance.