Acupuncture For Irregular Menstruation

The majority of women’s menstrual periods last between four and seven days, typically occurring every 28 days, although this can range from 21 to 35 days.

Irregular menstruation is anything that occurs outside of this, caused by a range of factors, including stress, medication, hormone levels, some health conditions, and so on.

If you notice that your period varies slightly between cycles, this is still considered to be regular menstruation. However, if you notice that your periods are occurring fewer than 21 days or more than 35 days apart, this would be considered irregular.

Furthermore, missing three or more consecutive periods would be classified as irregular menstruation, as would much lighter or heavier flow than normal, spotting happening between periods, and periods accompanied by severe cramping, pain, vomiting and nausea.

It can be difficult to identify whether or not your periods are irregular, however, as the menstrual cycle isn’t always entirely predictable, so it’s important not to worry overly while you try to determine if you are irregular and what the potential cause may be.

Conditions that have been linked to irregular menstruation include amenorrhea (where periods stop entirely), oligomenorrhea (infrequent periods), dysmenorrhea (severe pain and cramps) and abnormal uterine bleeding.

Other causes include endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, hypo and hyperthyroidism, certain cancers, stress, significant weight loss or gain and viruses and other such illnesses.

How can acupuncture help with irregular periods?

Acupuncture is widely used around the world as a form of pain relief, as well as helping to support natural healing in the body. It can potentially thicken the endometrium, improve blood flow to the pelvic area and reduce stress, all of which can help improve the menstrual cycle and restore balance.

The practice can help to balance out hormones such as oestrogen, testosterone, follicle stimulating hormones, anti-Mullerian hormones and so on, which can help to regulate your cycle, creating a sense of harmony between your ovaries and your brain.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, irregular menstrual cycles are almost always down to imbalances in the liver and kidneys. 

Emotional distress can cause blockages in the liver, which is known as the woman’s organ because it stores blood and is largely responsible for menstruation. In the meridian system, the kidneys and uterus enjoy a direct connection, so if there’s a blockage in the kidneys, the uterus can be affected, resulting in irregular menstruation.

Whether you’re trying to conceive or are simply struggling with the distress of irregular periods, here at Acuwellness you’ll find my integrated approach to the practice of particular benefit, combining both traditional Chinese medicine with a range of different styles and techniques. Get in touch today to find out more.