Author(s)

Xiaojuan Li, Rong Ji, Shifen Xu, Libing Tian

Corresponding Author

Libing Tian

Abstract

The aim of this case report is to investigate the effectiveness of moxibustion therapy in perimenopausal hot flashes and its potential mechanisms, which can offer reference for non-hormonal therapies during perimenopause. The patient, a 51-year old woman was amenorrheic for 10 months. She had frequent hot flashes of an average 6 times daily, as well as anxiety, night sweats, and poor sleep. Treatment involved 4 courses of treatment, administered over a period of 8 weeks, comprising moxibustion treatment for 30 minutes with each session being held thrice a week. The main acupoints were Hegu (LI4), Taichong (LR3), Zusanli (ST36), Sanyinjiao (SP6) Qihai(CV6) and Guanyuan(CV4). There were no other medications or interventions applied during the treatment. Treatment effectiveness was evaluated by hot flash diaries, the Kupperman Index and hormone levels (serum estradiol [E2], follical stimulating hormone [FSH], luteinizing hormone [LH]). 8 weeks later, the patient experienced complete resolution of hot flashes, with an average frequency reduction from 6.14 times daily to none. Related anxiety and night sweat were remarkably relieved, and sleep quality and energy state were greatly improved. The levels of E 2 increased from 53 pmol/l to 307 pmol/l, and those of FSH decreased from 40.55 mIU/day to 24.36 mIU/day and LH reduced from 14.7 mIU/ml to 9.13 mIU/ml based on the laboratory test results. The patient also regained menstrual function 10 months after cessation. Moxibustion is an effective intervention for treatment of perimenopausal hot flash and amelioration of sex hormones level, equilibrium, reaction ability and life quality in patients. It may work by affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Considering that moxibustion is safe, easy to perform, and associated with high compliance by patients, it could provide an alternative nonhormonal treatment option for women experiencing perimenopausal hot flushes. But larger scale randomized controlled trials are required to prove its efficacy and working mechanism.

Keywords

Moxibustion; Perimenopausal Hot Flashes; Estradiol; Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis; Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment