About Me

My photo
Mr.Shu Fan (樊舒先生) is a licensed Washington DC Acupuncturist serving patients in DC, Virginia and Maryland area. Mr. Fan holds the National Certification of Oriental Medicine which includes the practice of Acupuncture, Chinese Herbology and Asian Bodywork Therapy. Mr. Fan is specialized in pain management, fertility and skin care. He is a member of American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). He pursue his Ph.D ObGyn study in China Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine under Prof. Tan Yong (谈勇) and had his clinic training in JiangSu Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine. His acupuncture advisor is Prof.Sheng (盛灿若). Mr. Fan's office: 1712 I (eye) St NW,#410 , Washington, DC 20036 Tel: 202-246-8833 703-772-7592 Email: acupuncturewellnessfan@gmail.com

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Menopause sleep interruption, fatigue, anxiety and hot flashes can last years


There is an article in Reuters news by BY KATHRYN DOYLE "Menopause symptoms last years for many women " which I feel very good to summarize the current situation on menopause and treatment options.


“Conventional wisdom or dogma has been that these symptoms last only a few years and have minimal impact on quality of life,” but new research is overturning that, according to Dr. JoAnn Manson, chief of the Division of Preventive Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and a professor at Harvard Medical School.
“For many there is interruption of sleep, fatigue, reduced ability to do daily activities and impaired quality of life,” she told Reuters Health by phone.
"Hormone therapy, which doctors can prescribe, does ease menopausal symptoms, but over time will increase the risk of breast cancer." “We also know that for many, when they go off of hormone therapy they can have a rebound effect and symptoms get worse,” she said. “That may be a time for trying mindfulness, acupuncture, yoga: that helps some women, but not all.”

"Some women may try herbs and botanicals, but these are not regulated by U.S. health officials and may interact with medications, so women should have a consultation with their doctors first," Avis said.
In China, the herbs therapy is regulated by Chinese FDA and has to be prescribed by licensed practitioner. Herbs has been used by Chinese for thousands years including treatment of menopause. The origin of menopause is due to Kidney Yin deficiency which makes Yang (Hot) becomes dominant. The Yin Yang imbalance causes the internal heat which generates all kinds of symptoms. Treatment has to go through diagnosis, treatment principle, formula selection, herbs and quantity selections based on the variations on symptoms. Taking herbs is like adding a platter of vegetable dishes every day which will move the imbalance back to balance and helps relieving symptoms. It is holistic, and organic. Sometimes, even certain food can help. Obviously, acupuncture is following the same treatment principle and is an important part in treatment of menopause conditions.