Managing Menopausal Mood Swings

If you’re struggling with menopausal mood swings, an integrative medicine approach can provide relief and help restore emotional balance naturally. Learn more about how acupuncture and other holistic treatments support your menopause journey.

Menopause is a normal part of life, but the challenges that come with it are anything but easy. From sleepless nights and hot flashes to brain fog and unpredictable mood swings, the emotional toll can be just as intense as the physical changes.

Mood swings associated with menopause range from irritability and anxiety to bouts of depression. At Minnesota Integrative Medicine & Acupuncture in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, Kierstin Beaman, DACM, takes a holistic approach to help women navigate these changes with balance and ease.

Read on to learn how you can use acupuncture and other natural methods to manage menopausal mood swings as well as other symptoms.

Why menopause causes mood swings

The fluctuations of estrogen and progesterone levels during menopause affect brain neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. This can lead to mood disturbances.

Other menopausal symptoms like difficulty sleeping, hot flashes, and stress don’t help you feel more relaxed and at ease either.

The mood changes that come with menopause are completely normal, but they don’t have to control your life. A natural and integrative approach can help stabilize emotions and enhance your overall well-being.

How acupuncture helps

Acupuncture is an ancient practice that’s often used to regulate the body's energy flow. Science shows that acupuncture has a significant impact on the various systems of the body, like the endocrine system and parasympathetic nervous system.

When it comes to menopause, research supports acupuncture's ability to:

Balance hormone levels
Reduce stress and anxiety
Improve sleep quality
Promote circulation
Reduce inflammation

By targeting specific acupoints related to hormone regulation and emotional well-being, Dr. Beaman helps bodily systems normalize, easing the severity and frequency of mood swings.

Herbal and nutritional support for menopause

Chinese herbal medicine offers customized formulations that can help regulate hormones, improve energy, and calm the mind. Certain herbs like ginkgo biloba and black cohosh have shown promise in supporting hormonal balance.

Dr. Beaman also encourages you to follow a nutrient-rich diet to manage menopausal symptoms. Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and phytoestrogens (found in flaxseeds, soy, and legumes) can have a stabilizing effect on mood. Avoiding excessive caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods can also support your emotional well-being.

Other lifestyle therapies to promote better moods

Other integrative approaches that complement acupuncture include yoga and meditation to reduce stress and increase your self-awareness. Tai Chi, breathwork, and guided visualization help promote relaxation and emotional resilience.

Dr. Beaman recognizes that every woman’s menopause experience is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

At Minnesota Integrative Medicine & Acupuncture, she works closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that integrates acupuncture, herbal therapy, nutritional counseling, and lifestyle modifications to support you through this transition with greater ease and confidence.

Call us at 651-964-3868, or book an appointment online today to learn more about acupuncture and other holistic treatments that manage your menopausal mood swings and support your overall well-being.