Perimenopause Through a TCM Lens: What’s Actually Changing in Your Body
Ladies, let’s talk about that mysterious phase called perimenopause — you know, the “I’m not quite done with my 30s/40s, but my body is staging a revolt” period.
Hot flashes, mood swings, brain fog… sound familiar?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, we look at all this a little differently.
Spoiler: it’s not “just hormones going rogue.”
Yin and Yang: The Balancing Act
TCM sees the body as a dance of Yin and Yang. Yin is your cooling, nourishing side, and Yang is your energising, warming side. During perimenopause, Yin tends to take a backseat. Less Yin means your body can’t cool and nourish as well, which shows up as:
Hot flashes & night sweats
Dry skin & hair
Irritability or feeling “wound up”
It’s like your internal air conditioner is broken, and your thermostat is stuck on “mood swing.”
Kidney Energy = Life’s Battery Pack
In TCM, your Kidneys are basically the battery pack of your body. They store your “essence,” which controls growth, fertility, and aging. Around perimenopause, your Kidney energy naturally dips. This can cause:
Irregular periods
Lower back ache & knee stiffness
Fatigue that coffee can’t fix
Think of it as your battery warning light flashing: “Recharge me!”
Liver Qi: The Emotional Traffic Controller
Your Liver in TCM isn’t just about detox. It manages the smooth flow of Qi and emotions. When Liver Qi gets stuck, which is common in perimenopause, you might notice:
Mood swings & frustration
PMS-style bloating
Tension headaches or neck tightness
Basically, your inner traffic cop is on coffee break, and everything gets backed up.
Digestive Qi & Spleen Support
Your Spleen keeps your digestion and energy flowing smoothly. During perimenopause, digestive Qi can weaken, leaving you:
Feeling bloated or gassy
Losing energy post-lunch
Craving sugar (ugh, we feel you)
A happy Spleen = happier energy and less “hangry moments.”
What TCM Can Do
TCM doesn’t just “treat symptoms.” It supports the body’s natural balance:
Acupuncture: helps smooth Liver Qi, nourish Yin, and boost Kidney energy.
Herbs: formulas to cool hot flashes, calm the mind, and strengthen digestion.
Diet & lifestyle: warming or cooling foods, gentle movement (think Qi Gong or walking), and stress-busting routines.
Perimenopause isn’t a curse — it’s your body shifting gears. With TCM, you can navigate the ride with fewer bumps, smoother flow, and maybe even enjoy a few surprises along the way.
✨ Ready to feel like yourself again? Book a consultation and let’s see how TCM can support your perimenopause journey.