Chinese meds for anxiety and accupuncture for menopause symptoms anyone?

Hello everyone,
I had a hysterectomy almost 4 weeks ago including removal of the ovaries. I haven't had many menopause symptoms yet...mild hot flashes, that is all. Mainly I'm just more tired.

My dr. gave me an estrogen spray but I'm not using it. Instead, I visited an acupuncturist and am planning to try that. She gave me some pills called "Balance (Heat)" for the menopause as well as some pills called "Gan Mai Da Zao Tang" for anxiety since I am a generally nervous person and stress seems to set off the hot flashes.

Has anyone used either of these medicines? Has anyone used acupuncture? What were the results?

I also had ear seeds put in prior to surgery and they seemed to help with pain afterwards. I am not sure if alternative medicine will work but I do not want to use HRT because there is a history of cancer in my family.

Thank you in advance to anyone who responds!

I have been having acupuncture since my surgery three years ago for endo cancer.
I did go originally for the hot flushes because I could not take HRT. I am very sensitive to all herbal things too. I can't give you any info on the Chinese herbs because the acupuncturist said I would be too sensitive to use them. I do know of several people who have used them for other reasons and they actually made them worse!
I found the acu never got rid of the flushes but it helped to reduce them and worked wonders for my anxiety which was really bad after my surgery. I would say I would not be where I am today without it. I have now been given the all clear and don't even need HRT because my flushes have virtually stopped. I still see her every now and then so she can put me back into balance and I guess I will always want to go.
I would recommend you try it. They treat you as a whole person and its a lovely therapy

uk lady

I've been doing accupuncture, not for menopause, but for other reasons for almost 6 years now. It has really helped me. My accupuncturist does mix up some tea, with various herbs in it, for me to drink. It is mixed according to my symptoms. She has also given me various chinese pills for bowel movement help, headaches, and digestive issues.

IMHO it can't hurt to try it. If you feel that it is not helping or you feel worse, than discontinue using it. Last month the tea I received did make me feel worse. I tried it several times and than gave my accupuncurist a call and let her know what was going on. A good accupuncturist will tailor the meds to your body and really listen to you, your body and your symptoms.

Hello,
I'm not sure if I'm replying to the messages correctly (still learning how to use this discussion forum!), but wanted to say thank you to UK Lady and Kim M for sharing your experiences with acupuncture and herbs. I appreciate it!

UK Lady, I agree that it is nice to have someone treat the "whole person" instead of just trying to fix symptoms. I'm glad that your hot flashes have improved and hope you continue to get relief.

And Kim, thanks for sharing your experiences; it is good to know that you were helped by acupuncture and I appreciate your advice. I have done a lot of reading on the topic and there is always a mix of those who say acupuncture is a sham vs those who are helped. I'm glad you were helped.

So far, I'm taking an herbal supplement to help with anxiety which sets off hot flashes. I'm not sure if it's helping or not but it isn't hurting or making things worse so I'm going to stick with it for a while to see what happens.

Thank you both again VERY MUCH! :-)