Abstract
Background Hormone substitution in the treatment of perimenopausal symptoms should be regarded with caution due to possible side effects. Patients with a family history of breast cancer as well as patients suffering from fibroadenoma are not eligible for hormone substitution and therefore need alternative options without side effects. Objective To determine if and how acupuncture can improve the quality of life in women with perimenopausal symptoms, using the present case report as well as data base literature research. Method The patient received 12 weekly sessions of acupuncture combined with ear-acupuncture. Results After 10 weeks of treatment, the patient reported a slight improvement of symptoms, but was still far from showing satisfactory results. Therefore, she received two more treatment sessions. A breakthrough improvement only occurred after the series of 12 sessions was discontinued. The visual analogue scale (VAS) showed a reduction from 10 to 4.5 within 6 months after the first session. However, the improvement didn't last – 12 months later, the patient reported an aggravation of symptoms (VAS 8), which lead to another treatment series. Discussion Acupuncture may be able to alleviate perimenopausal symptoms such as sleep disorders or hot flashes, but has to be repeated on a regular (at least yearly) basis.
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