Menopause and perimenopause treatment in Wokingham, Berkshire

The menopausal transition can bring a wide range of physical and emotional changes that significantly affect daily life. Whether or not you are using HRT, complementary therapies can play a valuable role in managing symptoms such as hot flushes, sleep disturbance, mood changes and fatigue. At the Wokingham Therapy Clinic, we offer a truly integrated approach to menopause care.

On this page

1. About menopause and perimenopause
2. Symptoms
3. Stages of the menopausal transition
4. How we support you through menopause
5. Research and evidence
6. Self-help advice
7. Our acupuncturist

1. About menopause and perimenopause

Menopause is the point at which a woman has not had a period for 12 consecutive months. In the UK, the average age of menopause is 51, but the hormonal changes leading up to it – known as perimenopause – can begin in the early 40s, or earlier in some women. Perimenopause can last several years and is often when symptoms are most pronounced.

Around 75% of women experience symptoms during the menopausal transition, and for around 25% these are severe enough to disrupt daily life significantly.

2. Symptoms

Menopausal symptoms vary widely from woman to woman. Common symptoms include:

Physical symptoms

• Hot flushes and night sweats
• Sleep disturbance and insomnia
• Irregular or heavy periods (during perimenopause)
• Vaginal dryness and discomfort
• Reduced libido
• Weight changes, particularly around the abdomen
• Joint aches and muscle pain
• Palpitations
• Headaches and migraines
• Changes in skin and hair

Emotional and cognitive symptoms

• Mood swings, irritability and low mood
• Anxiety
• "Brain fog" – difficulty concentrating and memory lapses
• Reduced motivation
• Loss of confidence

3. Stages of the menopausal transition

Perimenopause – the years leading up to menopause, when hormone levels fluctuate and symptoms usually begin.

Menopause – diagnosed retrospectively after 12 months without a period.

Postmenopause – the years after menopause. Some symptoms such as hot flushes may continue for several years, and long-term considerations include bone health and cardiovascular health.

4. How we support you through menopause

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has one of the strongest evidence bases of any complementary therapy for menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flushes and night sweats. It can also help with sleep, mood, anxiety and joint pain. Acupuncture can be used alongside HRT or as an alternative for women who cannot or choose not to use it.

Chinese herbal medicine

Chinese herbal medicine has been used for centuries to support women through the menopausal transition. Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto uses pharmaceutical-grade Sun Ten herbal granules, tailored to your specific pattern.

CBT and counselling

CBT has NICE-supported evidence for managing hot flushes, night sweats, low mood and anxiety during menopause. Counselling provides space to explore the psychological and identity changes this life stage can bring.

Nutritional therapy

Nutritional therapy can support hormone balance, bone health, weight management and energy through targeted dietary strategies.

Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy has emerging evidence for reducing the frequency and intensity of hot flushes.

Massage and reflexology

Massage and reflexology promote relaxation, improve sleep and ease the physical tension that often accompanies menopausal changes.

5. Research and evidence

NICE guideline NG23 on menopause recognises CBT as an effective treatment for low mood, anxiety and vasomotor symptoms. A 2019 randomised controlled trial published in BMJ Open found that a brief course of acupuncture significantly reduced hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbance and emotional symptoms compared to a control group, with benefits maintained at six months. Multiple Cochrane reviews and meta-analyses support the use of acupuncture for hot flushes.

6. Self-help advice

• Identify and reduce hot flush triggers such as caffeine, alcohol, spicy food and stress
• Dress in layers and keep your bedroom cool
• Prioritise regular exercise, including weight-bearing activity for bone health
• Include plenty of calcium and vitamin D in your diet
• Limit alcohol and stop smoking
• Practise stress-reduction techniques – meditation, yoga or breathing exercises
• Maintain social connections and conversations with other women at this life stage
• Speak to your GP or menopause specialist about HRT if appropriate for you

Our acupuncturist

Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto BM (Beijing), BSc (Hons) TCM, MBAcC, MRCHM

Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto has been practising acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for over 25 years. He is passionate about empowering people with the ancient knowledge of Chinese medicine through lifestyle and diet.

Dr (TCM) D'Alberto graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine from Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in China – a full-time, five-year degree programme that included six months of clinical internship at two of the largest hospitals in Beijing.

Dr (TCM) D'Alberto practises acupuncture, moxibustion and cupping from his own acupuncture clinic in Wokingham. He is a member of the British Acupuncture Council and practises traditional Chinese acupuncture.