Women’s Health and Menopause Care

Every woman has her own relationship with her menstrual cycle – yet most have never been taught what an optimal, healthy cycle actually looks like. Many women assume pain, heavy bleeding, clotting, spotting, and emotional swings are just “part of having a period,” when in reality these symptoms are signs that the body needs support.

At New Dawn Acupuncture, we help women regulate their cycles, reduce symptoms, and understand the deeper imbalances that may be affecting their hormones, fertility, and overall wellbeing. If you’re ready to feel more in sync with your body each month, call (202) 538-3995 to book today.

What an Optimal Menstrual Cycle Looks Like

A healthy menstrual cycle is predictable, typically occurring every 28 days. The flow should begin without early spotting, be neither too heavy nor too light, and last around seven days without pain, cramping, clotting, swelling, or mood swings. When the period ends, the bleeding stops – no lingering spotting.

Healthy menstrual blood should be red, not dark, purple, bright red, or watery, as color and quality can reveal underlying issues. The cycle itself has four phases, ideally seven days each, and a variation of one to two days is still considered normal.

How Birth Control and Hormonal Shifts Affect the Cycle

If birth control has recently been started or stopped, the body often needs two to three months to recalibrate and return to its natural hormonal rhythm. During this period, irregular cycles are common and can temporarily affect fertility or make conception more challenging. Acupuncture can support the body during this adjustment and help reestablish balance.

PMS and Menstrual Symptoms

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) may involve irritability, mood swings, bloating, and cramping, while menstruation itself can bring challenges like clotting, flooding, trickling, long or short periods, or bleeding between cycles. These symptoms are common but not optimal – and they’re often signs of underlying stagnation, inflammation, or hormonal imbalance.

How Acupuncture Helps Regulate Menstrual Cycles

Acupuncture works by correcting the root causes of menstrual symptoms, regulating the flow of Qi and blood, and promoting hormonal balance. Treatments help reduce pain, smooth emotional fluctuations, improve cycle regularity, and support a healthier, more comfortable monthly rhythm.

Understanding Menopause

Menopause is a natural transition, not a condition to be “cured,” but the symptoms can be disruptive. Many women experience hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, mood swings, irritability, emotional sensitivity, disorientation, crying spells, and brain fog. Shifts in hormone levels can also contribute to bone loss and changes in metabolism.

How Acupuncture Supports Menopause Symptoms

Acupuncture helps clear internal heat, calm the nervous system, and support all body systems during this transition. By reinforcing the parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) state, treatments improve sleep, reduce brain fog, stabilize moods, and restore energy. While acupuncture doesn’t eliminate menopause, it often shortens the duration of the most uncomfortable symptoms and makes the entire process smoother and more manageable.

Diet and lifestyle also play important roles. Many women notice correlations between alcohol, sugar, spicy foods, and increased hot flashes. Tracking these patterns can lead to simple changes that make a meaningful difference.

A Supportive, Whole-Person Approach

Whether you’re navigating painful periods, irregular cycles, PMS, fertility challenges, or menopause symptoms, we take time to understand your full health picture and create a plan that supports your hormones naturally. Our goal is to help you feel more balanced, more comfortable, and more at home in your body – no matter which stage of life you’re in.

Source:

Clinical Manual of Oriental Medicine An Integrative Approach, 3rd edition, Lotus Institute of Integrative Medicine.