Women's Health

Menstrual & Hormonal Health

Our cycles influence far more than our periods. They can shape our energy, mood, sleep, digestion and overall sense of wellbeing. When something feels out of balance, it can affect every part of daily life.

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At Willow & Womb, we offer acupuncture and Chinese medicine to support women through every stage of hormonal health, from the first period through to perimenopause. Care is personalised to your symptoms, your goals and your stage of life, while working alongside your existing healthcare team.

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This Page Is For Women Who Are:

• Living with painful, heavy, irregular or unpredictable periods

• Experiencing PMS or PMDD that affects everyday life

• Navigating PMOS (formerly known as PCOS), endometriosis or other hormonal conditions

• Struggling with headaches, digestive changes or fatigue that seem to follow their cycle

• Moving through perimenopause and noticing changes in sleep, mood, bleeding or energy

• Wanting to better understand what their body is telling them and feel more in control of their health

 

Whether you've been living with symptoms for years, have recently noticed changes, or simply feel that something isn't quite right, you're welcome here. You don't need a diagnosis to seek support, and if you do have one, treatment can provide another layer of care alongside your medical management.

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How Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine May Help

Chinese medicine looks at your health as a whole rather than focusing on a single symptom. Your cycle provides valuable information about what's happening in your body, and treatment is designed to support balance across the month, not just during your period.

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Depending on your individual presentation, treatment may support:

• Painful periods and cramping

• Heavy, prolonged or irregular bleeding

• PMS and PMDD symptoms including mood changes, irritability, anxiety and low mood

• Hormonal headaches and migraines

• Sleep disturbances and fatigue

• Digestive symptoms that fluctuate throughout the cycle

• Perimenopausal symptoms including hot flushes, night sweats and cycle changes

 

Alongside acupuncture, treatment may also include Chinese herbal medicine, dietary guidance and practical lifestyle recommendations that feel realistic and achievable.

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Supporting You Through Every Stage

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First Periods (Menarche) & Adolescence

The early years of menstruation can feel confusing and overwhelming for both young people and their families.

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Treatment may support:

• Painful periods that interfere with school, sport or everyday activities

• Heavy or irregular bleeding

• Mood changes around the menstrual cycle

• Building confidence and understanding around menstrual health

 

Care is always gentle, age-appropriate and, where needed, provided alongside your GP, paediatrician or other specialist.

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Reproductive Years

Throughout the reproductive years, menstrual health often changes alongside work, relationships, family life and other demands.

Many women seek support for:

• Painful, heavy or irregular cycles

• Suspected or diagnosed PMOS (formerly known as PCOS) or endometriosis

• PMS or PMDD

• Cycle-related headaches, digestive symptoms or fatigue

• Hormonal symptoms affecting quality of life

 

For some women, supporting menstrual health is also part of preparing for pregnancy. For others, the goal is simply to feel more comfortable, more predictable and more at ease in their own body.

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Perimenopause

Perimenopause is a gradual transition that can begin years before menopause itself. Hormonal shifts during this time can bring new and often unexpected symptoms.

Support may focus on:

• Changes in menstrual bleeding or cycle length

• Hot flushes and night sweats

• Sleep disruption

• Mood changes or increased anxiety

• Fatigue and fluctuating energy

• Supporting overall wellbeing during this stage of transition

 

Treatment can comfortably sit alongside hormone replacement therapy (HRT), non-hormonal medications or other treatments recommended by your healthcare provider.

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Menopause & Beyond

Menopause marks the end of the reproductive years, but it doesn't mean hormonal health is no longer important. Many women continue to experience changes that affect their comfort, energy and overall wellbeing, while others are simply looking to feel their best as they move into this new stage of life.

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Support may focus on:

• Ongoing hot flushes or night sweats

• Sleep, mood and energy

• Joint aches and stiffness

• Vaginal dryness and changes in comfort

• Supporting overall wellbeing and healthy ageing

• Helping you feel more balanced and supported as your body continues to adapt

 

Whether you're using HRT, non-hormonal treatments, or choosing not to use medication, Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can form part of a collaborative approach that supports your health and wellbeing in the years beyond menopause.

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What to Expect

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Your First Appointment

Your initial consultation is a longer appointment that allows us to understand your health story and what has brought you here.

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Together we'll explore:

• Your menstrual and hormonal history

• Current symptoms, cycle patterns and any previous investigations

• Sleep, digestion, stress and energy levels

• Your broader health history and treatment goals

 

You'll receive an acupuncture treatment during this appointment, and where appropriate we'll also discuss Chinese herbal medicine and simple lifestyle recommendations to support your care.

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There is no expectation to change everything at once. The goal is to understand the bigger picture and develop a personalised treatment plan that feels realistic and supportive.

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Ongoing Care

Your care evolves as your symptoms and life stage change.

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Follow-up appointments allow us to:

• Monitor changes in your symptoms over time

• Adapt treatment according to your cycle and current presentation

• Review any herbal medicine or lifestyle recommendations

• Continue supporting you alongside any medical investigations or treatment you're receiving

 

Some women benefit from more regular care while symptoms are changing, while others transition to less frequent appointments as things become more settled. Together, we'll create a plan that feels sustainable and appropriate for your individual needs.

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Looking Beyond Symptoms

Hormonal health is about much more than managing a period.

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Many women describe feeling frustrated by symptoms that have become "normal", dismissed because test results appear fine, or unsure where to turn when they know something isn't quite right.

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Appointments provide space to slow down, feel heard and explore your health as a whole. Acupuncture offers an opportunity for the nervous system to settle, while treatment focuses on supporting your body's natural rhythms and improving your overall wellbeing.

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Our role is not to replace your GP or specialist, but to work alongside them, providing thoughtful, evidence-informed care that supports you through every stage of reproductive and hormonal health.