TCM for Menopause in Singapore
Menopause is a natural stage of life, but symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, disrupted sleep, mood changes and fatigue may affect your daily comfort and well-being.
At Yi TCM, our registered TCM physicians take an individualised approach to women’s health. Rather than looking at menopause symptoms in isolation, we consider your overall symptom pattern, menstrual changes, sleep, digestion, emotional wellbeing, lifestyle and body constitution before recommending a suitable treatment plan.
Depending on your assessment, TCM support for menopause may include acupuncture, personalised Chinese herbal medicine, dietary guidance and lifestyle recommendations.
Understanding Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause
Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It is defined as the permanent cessation of menstrual periods and is usually diagnosed after a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a period. Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age of onset being around 51.
Menopause is typically divided into three stages: perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause.
- Perimenopause: This is the stage leading up to menopause when a woman’s ovaries gradually produce less estrogen. Perimenopause can last anywhere from a few months to several years and can begin as early as a woman’s 30s or 40s. During this time, a woman may experience irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and other symptoms of hormonal fluctuations.
- Menopause: Menopause is defined as the point when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a period. At this point, the ovaries have stopped releasing eggs, and estrogen and other reproductive hormone levels have significantly declined. Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age of onset being around 51.
- Postmenopause: Postmenopause is the stage that follows menopause and lasts for the rest of a woman’s life. During this time, a woman’s hormone levels stabilize at a low level, and she may experience symptoms such as vaginal dryness, reduced sex drive, and bone loss.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Menopause?
During menopause, a woman’s ovaries gradually produce less estrogen and other reproductive hormones, which can lead to a variety of physical and emotional symptoms. Some common symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms can vary widely in severity and duration, and some women may not experience any symptoms at all. Some of the common symptoms are as follows:
- Irregular periods: As a woman’s hormone levels fluctuate, she may experience changes in her menstrual cycle, including irregular periods, heavier or lighter periods, and shorter or longer periods.
- Mood changes: Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can cause mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression, and other emotional symptoms.
- Hot flashes and night sweats: These are sudden, intense feelings of heat that can cause sweating, flushing, and rapid heartbeat, and are often accompanied by chills and shivering.
- Vaginal dryness and discomfort: Declining estrogen levels can cause vaginal dryness, itching, burning, and discomfort during sexual activity.
- Sleep disturbances: Menopause can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting restful sleep.
- Urinary problems: Menopause can increase the risk of urinary tract infections, incontinence, and other urinary problems.
- Loss of libido: Hormonal changes can also lead to a reduced sex drive and decreased interest in sexual activity.
- Joint pain and stiffness: Some women may experience joint pain and stiffness during menopause, which is thought to be related to hormonal changes and inflammation.
How Does TCM Understand Menopause?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views menopause as a natural transition in a woman’s life, marking the end of her reproductive years. According to TCM principles, menopause is associated with a decline in kidney essence, which is believed to be responsible for reproductive function and overall vitality. This decline in kidney essence leads to changes in hormonal balance and the symptoms commonly associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and dryness.
In TCM, the kidney is considered the foundation of yin and yang energies in the body, and its imbalance can manifest in various symptoms related to menopause. The decline in kidney essence is often accompanied by a decrease in yin energy, leading to symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. Additionally, a deficiency in kidney yang can result in symptoms such as fatigue, cold intolerance, and decreased libido.
How is Menopause diagnosed?
Menopause is typically diagnosed based on symptoms and medical history. If a woman has not had a period for 12 consecutive months and is experiencing symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood changes, and sleep disturbances, she may be diagnosed with menopause.
In some cases, a doctor may also order blood tests to measure hormone levels, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estrogen. FSH levels increase as the ovaries produce less estrogen, so elevated levels of FSH may indicate that a woman is in menopause. However, hormone levels can vary widely from day to day and may not be reliable indicators of menopause on their own.
It’s important to note that other conditions can cause symptoms similar to menopause, such as thyroid disorders or certain medications, so it’s important to work with a healthcare provider to rule out other potential causes of symptoms.
How Yi TCM Supports Women During Menopause
Depending on the patient’s symptoms, health history and TCM assessment, our registered TCM physician may recommend one or a combination of the following approaches.
Acupuncture, which involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body, is often used to regulate the flow of qi (vital energy) and balance yin and yang energies. Dietary therapy in TCM for menopause typically involves consuming foods that nourish yin and yang energies, such as soups, stews, and warm, cooked foods, while avoiding excessive consumption of spicy, greasy, or overly stimulating foods.
Overall, TCM takes a holistic approach to menopause, aiming to address not only the physical symptoms but also the underlying imbalances in the body’s energy systems to promote overall health and well-being during this transitional phase of life. It’s important to note that individual experiences of menopause can vary, and TCM treatment plans are tailored to each person’s specific symptoms and constitution.
Some herbs, such as dong quai and black cohosh, which are believed to have phytoestrogen may help relieve hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and other symptoms. Other herbs, such as ginseng and licorice, are believed to have adaptogenic properties that can help the body cope with stress and promote overall health.
What is the current evidence for the efficacy of TCM on menopause?
There is some evidence to suggest that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be effective in treating certain menopause-related symptoms, although more research is needed to confirm these findings. Here are some examples:
- Hot flashes: Several studies have found that acupuncture may be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes in menopausal women. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials found that acupuncture was more effective than no treatment or placebo in reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes.
- Vaginal dryness: A small study found that a TCM herbal formula called Er-Xian decoction was effective in improving vaginal dryness in postmenopausal women. Another study found that a TCM herbal formula called Liu Wei Di Huang Wan was effective in improving vaginal dryness and reducing other menopause-related symptoms.
- Insomnia: A randomized controlled trial found that acupuncture was effective in improving sleep quality and reducing insomnia in menopausal women.
- Anxiety and depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials found that acupuncture was effective in reducing anxiety and depression in menopausal women.
While these studies suggest that TCM may be effective in treating some menopause-related symptoms, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
TCM Menopause Treatment Fees at Yi TCM
Consultation 问诊
First consult (Principal Physician)
$100-$150
First consult (Senior Physician and Physician)
$80-120
Subsequent consult (Principal Physician)
$70-100
Subsequent consult (Senior Physician and Physician)
$60-100
House Call (Trip fee on top of consultation and treatment fees)
$180
Teleconsult (Only for existing patients)
$68
Prices exclude GST. ^Treatments are done by certain physicians only
Acupuncture 针灸
Standard acupuncture
- General health
- Pain Management
- Stroke
$75/session
Specialized acupuncture
- Fertility
- Hair loss
- Weight management
- Facial
- Labour induction^
$100/session
Additional needles (per area)
$15/session
Auricular (ear) acupuncture
$15/session
Prices exclude GST. ^Treatments are done by certain physicians only
Herbal Medicine 中药
1 packet a day*
$7/day
2 packets a day*
$14/day
3 packets a day*
$18/day
4 packets a day*
$20/day
Prescription Herbal Syrup
$15/bottle
Bu Sheng Yi Jing Wan 补肾益精丸
$0.80/capsule
Wuji Bai Feng Wan 乌鸡白凤丸
$6/box
Capsule (1-2 capsule a day)
$1.20/capsule
Tablets (4-8 tablets a day)
$0.50/tablet
Plaster/Bandage for sports injury 黑药膏
$20
TCM Herbal lozenges
$0.50/lozenge
Plaster (Herb Soothe plaster)
$2
Plaster (Balm plaster)
$1.20
Meet Our TCM Physicians for Women's Health and Menopause Support
TCM Physician
Rou Yi 丁医师
General Wellness | Pediatrics | Women’s Health | Fertility | Pain Management
Senior Physician
Sheryl Tay 郑医师
Sub-Fertility | Pregnancy | General Health |
Gynaecology | Gastrointestinal | Pediatrics
Principal Physician
Tan Kang Ting 陈医师
Sub-Fertility | Pregnancy | Gynaecology |
General Health | Gastrointestinal |
Pain Management | Facial Acupuncture |
Pediatrics
Senior Physician
Aileen Chua 蔡医师
Sub-fertility | Pregnancy | Gynecology |
General Health
Principal Physician
Peh Tian Chi 白医师
Sub-fertility | Pregnancy | Gynecology | Pediatrics | Neurological Disorder | Post-stroke Management
Chief Physician
Na Yi Ting 蓝医师
Sub-fertility | Pregnancy | Gynecology | Gastrointestinal Health | Pediatrics | Geriatrics
Find A TCM Clinic Near You
Contact Us At Our Clinic Branches Today!
Yi TCM Novena Specialist Centre
8 Sinaran Drive, #07-12, Novena Specialist Centre, Singapore 307470
Yi TCM Somerset
111 Somerset Rd #04-18 TripleOne Somerset, Somerset/Orchard Singapore 238164 Somerset MRT Exit A
Yi TCM Raffles Place
20 Cecil Street, #02-03 Raffles Place, MRT Exit D Downtown Core Singapore 049705
What Our Customers Say
Hear what our valued patients have to say about us. Scroll to read more!
Physician Peh is always patient and attentive, and offers advice for my overall well-being.
The front desk ladies are friendly too.
Thank you 😊 💓
We feel comfortable with Dr Chua consultation where she is patient and nice to talk to. She will understand our weekly condition and make necessary adjustments in the treatment and medication. She is flexible.
We look forward to good fertility news with Yi TCM team, and would recommend to people in need to try.
Dr Na has this really empathetic and grounded vibe and really really listens when you tell her the issues. I think that’s what makes her such a good clinician.
She is spot on with the diagnosis and she literally cured me for two ailments in one visit.
The last time I was there, I had pain in my right shoulder. She did acupuncture for me and the pain went away within 1 week. She also taught me home exercises so my shoulder won’t cramp again.
Went back 2 days ago for menstrual issues and again, the issue went away 2 days after k saw her.
The clinic is also clean and sterile and I feel very safe under her good hands. Amazing experience.
