Irregular Periods
Acupuncture for Irregular Periods in North Vancouver
Cycles that are unpredictable, very long or short, unusually heavy or light, or painful can affect daily life and plans for the future. AcuLife Wellness offers acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine as part of an individualized plan for menstrual concerns, alongside care from your physician.
Overview
A typical menstrual cycle lasts about 21 to 35 days, with bleeding for two to seven days. Cycles can become irregular with stress, weight changes, intense exercise, thyroid problems, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), some medications, breastfeeding, perimenopause and pregnancy — so it's important to have changes checked by your physician, including a pregnancy test where relevant.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, regulating the menstrual cycle has long been central to women's health care, and herbal medicine often plays an important role alongside acupuncture. At AcuLife Wellness, we start by understanding your cycle, symptoms and any tests or diagnosis before recommending an approach.
Common Symptoms & Experiences
- Cycles that are unpredictable, very long or very short
- Missed or infrequent periods
- Heavy, light or prolonged bleeding
- Painful periods or cramping
- PMS, such as bloating, breast tenderness or mood changes
How Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine May Be Used
Acupuncture for menstrual concerns usually uses points on the abdomen, legs and back chosen for your pattern, and treatment may be timed to different phases of your cycle. Where appropriate, Chinese herbal medicine may be suggested alongside acupuncture; Hong will review your medications and health history first, including whether you're trying to conceive or could be pregnant.
Some studies suggest acupuncture may ease period pain and may support cycle regularity for some people, including those with PCOS, though the evidence is still developing and results vary. Acupuncture works alongside, not instead of, your physician's assessment and treatment.
AcuLife's Approach
Hong Ji, R.TCM.P., is a registered TCM practitioner in both Canada and China with 35 years of clinical experience, including menstrual and women's health concerns. She often combines acupuncture with Chinese herbal medicine and takes a whole-body view, so your plan considers your cycle together with stress, sleep, digestion and energy.
Learn more about Hong JiWhat to Expect
Your first visit includes a conversation about your cycle — its length, flow, pain and any patterns — as well as your health history and any diagnosis or test results, followed by an individualized assessment and treatment. Tracking your cycle for a few months can help, and how often you come in is discussed and revisited over time.
If you're trying to conceive, see our fertility page for more.
When to Seek Medical Care
See your physician if your periods stop for three months or more and you're not pregnant, if you soak through a pad or tampon every hour for several hours or pass large clots, if you have bleeding between periods or after sex, or if pain is severe enough to stop your usual activities. Seek urgent care for sudden, severe pain in the lower abdomen, especially with a missed period, dizziness or fainting, as this can be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for Menstrual Health Support in North Vancouver?
Book an appointment with AcuLife Wellness.