Menopause, Acupuncture and Osteoporosis
None of us can imagine getting older but ageing is inevitable . What you do today matters for your older years. How do you want to live them?
Menopause, Acupuncture and Osteoporosis
Acupuncture, when used alongside Western medicine, is hugely beneficial if you already have a diagnosis of osteoporosis. It also makes sense for women entering the menopausal years to consider a therapy with known benefits to bone health.
Menopause is a recognised risk factor for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis increases the risk of fractures, which can lead to disability later in life. That is why this is such an important topic.
“Menopause is a risk factor for osteoporosis, not an inevitability.”
Why Consider Acupuncture?
Including acupuncture as part of a comprehensive health plan is well worth considering. There are no harmful side effects and many additional benefits when you see an acupuncturist who works with women during the peri-menopausal, menopausal, and post-menopausal years.
Of course, lifestyle modifications also matter — diet, exercise, and other guidance from your healthcare professional, including many acupuncturists trained in women’s health.
What is Osteoporosis?
Bone is living tissue that is constantly being removed and replaced. As we get older, more bone is naturally lost than replaced. In osteoporosis, this bone loss is accelerated, making bones fragile and prone to break even with a minor bump or fall.
Osteoporosis has no symptoms until what’s known as a fragile fracture occurs.
A DEXA scan is the test used to check bone density.
The Irish Osteoporosis Society, founded by Prof. Moira O’Brien in 1996, provides national education and advocacy.
Why Bone Health Matters in Ireland
Without causing alarm, the numbers highlight the importance of prevention:
Ireland has one of the highest osteoporosis rates globally.
Research by Edwards et al. (Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 2007) showed up to half of all hip fracture patients had at least one previous fragility fracture.
Ireland currently has the sixth highest rate of hip fracture worldwide.
“Fragile fractures often happen before osteoporosis is even diagnosed.”
Where Can Acupuncture Play a Role?
Several large-scale reviews indicate acupuncture is effective in supporting bone health.
2018 review and meta-analysis (Pan et al): included 35 studies with 3014 participants. It found that warm needle acupuncture increased bone mineral density of the femur and lumbar spine, improved blood markers related to bone health, and reduced pain compared to medication alone.
2020 review (Xue et al): supported these results, showing high-quality evidence that acupuncture and moxibustion (a gentle heat therapy) can improve bone mineral density in primary osteoporosis (age-related bone loss).
✨ The takeaway: Acupuncture, combined with medical care and lifestyle choices, can be a valuable therapy for women in midlife and beyond, helping to strengthen bones, reduce fracture risk, and support overall wellbeing.