Can acupuncture help menopause induced depression?

A study suggesting that the use of acupuncture may help depression induced by the menopause was carried out in Norway by Dørmænen. and colleagues from the University of Tromsø.

Women who experience hot flushes are often more likely to suffer with depression than those who did not.

The study looked at 72 postmenopausal women who experienced hot flushes. They were split into two groups – one group was given acupuncture and the other was not. Of all the women who took part in the study, over 30% experienced symptoms of depression. The women were monitored over a 12 week period.

At the end of the trial, whilst both groups experienced a decrease in the symptoms of depression, the group receiving acupuncture experienced a 54% reduction in depressive symptoms.

If you are considering acupuncture as a way of treatment for menopausal symptoms, you may wish to discuss this with your doctor.

Information written by the talkhealth medical panel

Last Reviewed: 31 January 2011
Next Review Date: 31 January 2013