A new ABC report and a 2016 study examine whether acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine relieve menopause symptoms, but findings remain inconclusive.
Understanding the effectiveness of these complementary approaches matters because up to 80 % of women report at least one troublesome menopause symptom and many seek alternatives to hormone‑replacement therapy, which carries its own risks.
The ABC piece said an estimated 80 % of women have at least one bothersome symptom, underscoring the large market for non‑pharmacologic options [3]. It also references a recent press release that claimed certain herbal formulas were proven perimenopause remedies, though no peer‑reviewed data were cited to back those claims.
A controlled trial published in 2016 offers the most rigorous data to date. Researchers assigned participants to either genuine acupuncture or a sham procedure that mimicked needle placement. Both groups reported a 40 % improvement in the severity of menopause symptoms, indicating that real acupuncture performed no better than the placebo version [2].
ABC’s editorial summary said, "Complementary therapies may help some menopausal symptoms, but more high‑quality research is needed to understand how effective and safe these treatments truly are" [1]. The statement reflects the broader scientific consensus that existing studies are small, short‑term, and often lack proper blinding.
Herbal therapies, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, are widely marketed in Australia and beyond. While some women report relief, the evidence base consists mainly of observational reports and anecdotal accounts, which do not establish causality or safety profiles comparable to regulated pharmaceuticals.
Taken together, the mixed findings from the ABC report, the 2016 acupuncture trial, and the paucity of robust herbal studies suggest that current evidence does not support a clear endorsement of acupuncture or specific Chinese herbs as reliable treatments for menopause symptoms. Health professionals continue to recommend lifestyle changes and, when appropriate, evidence‑based hormone therapy, while urging patients to discuss any complementary therapies with their doctors.
“"Complementary therapies may help some menopausal symptoms, but more high‑quality research is needed to understand how effective and safe these treatments truly are," ABC News editorial said.”
What this means: While many women turn to acupuncture and herbal remedies hoping for relief, the best‑available research shows no clear benefit over placebo. Until larger, well‑designed trials confirm safety and efficacy, these therapies should be considered complementary rather than primary options, and patients should consult healthcare providers before adding them to their menopause management plan.
