The Acupause study: Acupuncture for postmenopausal hot flushes

This study is testing whether acupuncture can help reduce hot flushes in postmenopausal women. Hot flushes — sudden feelings of intense heat, often with sweating and a flushed face — are very common after menopause and can seriously disrupt daily life and sleep. This trial uses a traditional Chinese medicine approach to acupuncture and compares it to a sham (fake) acupuncture control to see if the real treatment works better. You may be eligible if: - You are a woman who has been through menopause (no period for at least 12 months) - You experience at least 14 hot flush 'points' per week on a validated diary - You meet the traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis of Kidney Yin deficiency - You are 40 years or older You may NOT be eligible if: - You are on blood thinners or have a heart valve condition - You have had acupuncture with needles in the past two years - Your hot flushes are related to surgical menopause, chemotherapy, or breast cancer treatment - You have used hormone therapy or phytoestrogen supplements recently - You have other uncontrolled hormonal or medical conditions Talk to your doctor about whether this trial might be right for you.