HOT FLUSHES AND HORMONAL SYMPTOMS

Hot flushes and hormonal symptoms are common side effects from cancer treatment.

They can be caused by changes to hormone levels - from the removal or reduction of hormone glands like the ovaries, breasts or prostate or testicles. Ongoing chemotherapy or hormone therapy, like Tamoxifen, can also increase hot flushes in frequency and severity.

Acupuncture can help reduce hot flushes and menopausal symptoms. Evidence from clinical trials show positive effect from acupuncture. Often other associated symptoms are also reduced - heart palpitations, anxiety, sleep problems and fatigue.

Evidence - Acupuncture can reduce Hot Flushes in Cancer Patients

Acupuncture generally performs well in clinical trials, with patients reporting reduced hot flushes and associated symptoms. More studies are still required, particularly trials with placebo control.

A most recent 2019 Danish study (Lund) recruited 70 women with breast cancer to undergo a 5 acupuncture treatments over 5 weeks. The study reported significant reduction in hot flushes (severity and frequency), day & night sweats, general sweating, emotional problems and menopause-specific sleeping problems.

The report also noted significant reductions were already noted by Week 3 of the trial.

How does acupuncture treat hot Flushes - the Acupuncture perspective

From an acupuncture perspective, hot flushes can be triggered by a reduction in hormones (amongst other causes). However, each person has the ability to adjust to this change and continue to function and flourish. This is why some people cope with menopause better than others, and with chemotherapy too.

Acupuncture works by assisting the person adjust to these hormonal changes.

Safety

Acupuncture is considered a low risk therapy that does not interfere with chemotherapy or oncology treatments. It does not change hormone levels and there is no increased risk of cancer recurrence.

References

Lund KS, Siersma V, Brodersen J, et al Efficacy of a standardised acupuncture approach for women with bothersome menopausal symptoms: a pragmatic randomised study in primary care (the ACOM study) BMJ Open 2019;9:e023637. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023637