Suddenly you can’t sleep through the night, your anxiety’s spiking, and your brain feels like it’s wrapped in fog. Your GP says you’re ‘too early for HRT’… Deep down, you know something’s changed and you want relief.
Perimenopause can feel like puberty in reverse – messy, emotional, and invisible. It creeps in when you’re still juggling work, parenting, relationship, and often caring for your ageing parents. The last thing you expect is to be blindsided by hormone chaos.
At Vitalis Acupuncture, we hear this story every day. And we want you to know: you’re not alone. There is support. And there is relief.
What Is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the hormonal transition before menopause, and it can begin in your late 30s or 40s. It typically lasts 4–8 years, though for some, symptoms begin earlier and last longer.
Unlike menopause (defined as 12 months without a period), perimenopause brings hormone fluctuations rather than a steady decline. Oestrogen and progesterone rise and fall unpredictably—and that unpredictability causes a cascade of symptoms:
- Irregular or heavy periods
- Night sweats and hot flushes
- Anxiety or panic
- Mood swings and irritability
- Poor sleep
- Brain fog and forgetfulness
- Weight gain or bloating
- Low libido
- Vaginal dryness or discomfort
Up to 80% of women experience at least one of these symptoms. Yet few get the help they need early enough.
Women who had acupuncture reported a significant decrease in hot flashes, excess sweating, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and skin and hair problems.
“Acupuncture a Realistic Option vs HRT for Hot Flashes” Medscape March 2019
Ready to reclaim your energy, clarity and calm?
Book a consultation with our womens’ specialist team and get a personalised, evidence-based plan for your perimenopause journey.
The Silent Fears Women Carry
Women in perimenopause often feel like they’re falling apart quietly. Our patients have shared with us they fear:
- Losing control of their body and emotions
- Fear of early ageing or loss of femininity
- Cognitive decline from brain fog
- Relationship strain due to low libido or mood swings
- Lack of medical support, being told symptoms are “normal”
- Career burnout, especially with sleep deprivation
- Being alone in it all
These fears are real. And they’re often made worse by being dismissed or misdiagnosed.
Why Perimenopause Acupuncture Works
At Dr Vitalis Auckland, we offer evidence-guided perimenopause acupuncture that supports your body through hormonal transition – naturally, gently, and effectively.
Backed by Science:
- A 2025 a study found found acupuncture significantly improved sleep in perimenopausal women with insomnia – better than medication, and with no side effects.
- A 2021 study found acupuncture as effective as SSRI antidepressants for perimenopausal depression but with no side effects of these meds.
- A large study found 86% of women reported symptom relief with acupuncture.
How it helps:
- Balances the hormones
- Calms the nervous system (reducing anxiety and mood swings)
- Balances the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis
- Improves sleep, energy, and focus
- Reduces hot flushes and night sweats
If you’re looking for perimenopause acupuncture in Auckland, our specialist team has helped women navigate this transition with confidence and clarity.
What to Expect at Dr Vitalis Acupuncture
We don’t do one-size-fits-all.
- Comprehensive consultation: We map your symptoms, cycle history, and health goals
- Tailored treatment plan: Together we decide on the most appropriate treatment for your situation
- Gentle, relaxing treatment: Most women nap through their session
- Progress tracking: We monitor changes in your symptoms
No pharmaceuticals. No pressure. Just supporting your balance naturally.
We found that a course of acupuncture treatments was associated with significant reduction in VMS*, and several quality-of-life measures, compared with no acupuncture, and that clinical benefit persisted for at least 6 months beyond the end of treatment.
*WMS refers to vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes, are caused by a sudden increase of blood flow to the face, neck, and chest. This leads to the sensation of extreme heat and profuse sweating.