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Acupuncture Reduces Hot Flashes

January 19th, 2010

Not only is acupuncture as effective as drug therapy at reducing hot flashes in breast cancer patients, it has the added benefit of potentially increasing a woman’s sex drive and improving her sense of well-being, according to a Henry Ford Hospital study.

Acupuncture, when compared to drug therapy, has a longer lasting effect on the reduction of hot flashes and night sweats. Women also report that acupuncture improves their energy and clarity of thought.

“Acupuncture offers patients a safe, effective and durable treatment option for hot flashes. Compared to drug therapy, acupuncture actually has benefits, as opposed to more side effects,” says study lead author Eleanor Walker, M.D., division director of breast services in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Henry Ford Hospital.

Acupuncture treatment can:

·      Reduce hot flashes and many other symptoms associated with menopause.

·      Regulate chemical and hormonal balances.

·      Overcome fatigue and insomnia.

·      Improve symptoms of depression.

Side effects of hormone therapy such as vasomotor symptoms - hot flashes and night sweats - can become a major cause of decreased quality of life, and even discontinuation of treatment.

Drug therapy to manage these common and debilitating side effects associated with breast cancer treatment comes with its own set of side effects: Dry mouth, decreased appetite, nausea, and constipation.

To compare acupuncture and drug therapy, 50 patients were recruited from oncology clinics at Henry Ford. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either acupuncture or drug therapy treatment for 12 weeks.

The study found that both groups initially experienced a 50 percent decline in hot flashes and depressive symptoms, indicating that acupuncture is as effective as drug therapy. The acupuncture group continued to experience minimal hot flashes until three months post-treatment.

For information about acupuncture for the treatment of hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500. 

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