Episode 210 - Can Acupuncture Help Menopause Symptoms After Cancer? Looking at the Research

Today, we’re exploring the evidence with medical acupuncturist Maria Vega.

Many cancer survivors experience menopause symptoms such as hot flushes, joint pain, insomnia and anxiety — often while navigating complex treatment plans or endocrine therapy. For some, HRT may not be an option, which leads many people to explore complementary approaches like acupuncture.

But does acupuncture really work? And what does the research say?

In this episode, I’m joined by Maria Vega, a medical acupuncturist who works in integrative oncology supporting people after cancer with a whole array of evidence-based strategies.

We explore the evidence behind acupuncture for symptoms such as hot flushes, aromatase inhibitor–related joint pain, sleep disturbances and anxiety, while also discussing safety considerations and how acupuncture may fit into a broader, integrative approach to managing menopause after cancer.

1. What is acupuncture and how does it work?
2. The science behind acupuncture and menopause symptoms
3. Research on acupuncture for hot flushes and joint pain after cancer
4. Safety considerations for cancer survivors

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

05:42 Integrative Oncology Nurse Specialist

07:52 Acupuncture: TCM and Western medical acupuncture

12:25 "Acupuncture and Medications Evidence"

16:02 "Improving Menopause Care Approach"

17:49 "Managing Hot Flushes Effectively"

24:50 "Acupuncture Safety in Oncology Treatment"

27:53 Acupuncture Recognition in Oncology

33:39 "Acupressure: Empowering Patient Self-Care"

You can find Maria here https://holohealth.co.uk/

This paper sums up the recommendations Maria speaks about:

https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.22.01357

Here is an open-source link as the ASCO paper requires a subscription.

https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jicm.2024.0452

Highlight from ASCO - SIO guidelines: Among adult patients, acupuncture should be recommended for aromatase inhibitor–related joint pain. Acupuncture or reflexology or acupressure may be recommended for general cancer pain or musculoskeletal pain.

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