Navigating Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) with Acupuncture

15 Oct

Introduction: What is POI?

Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), sometimes called Premature Ovarian Failure, happens when the ovaries begin to function less effectively before age 40 but it can be detected as early as your twenties. It’s different from natural menopause because it can happen earlier, often unexpectedly. While this can feel unsettling, there are many ways to support your body, manage symptoms, and maintain overall wellbeing.

I personally feel that the term Premature Ovarian Failure is unhelpful and even harmful language. Words like failure can carry unnecessary weight, especially for those navigating fertility or menstrual health challenges. Wherever possible, I prefer the more inclusive and mindful term Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), which describes the condition without judgement.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

POI can show up in a variety of ways:

Irregular or missed periods
Hot flashes and night sweats
Fatigue
Mood changes, anxiety, or low mood
Vaginal dryness or reduced libido
Difficulty conceiving

Diagnosis usually involves:

Blood tests measuring hormone levels (FSH, oestrogen)
Ultrasound to check ovarian reserve
Reviewing menstrual history and family history

Complications of POI

POI may increase the likelihood of:

Bone density loss
Heart health considerations
Mood shifts or mild cognitive changes
Fertility challenges

It can also overlap with conditions like endometriosis or PCOS, which can affect symptoms and how they are experienced.

How TCM Views POI

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, POI is understood as a shift in Kidney energy which is a concept that reflects reproductive health, vitality, and overall life energy, rather than the anatomical kidneys.

Kidney Yin deficiency can appear as hot flashes, night sweats, or a sense of internal heat.
Kidney Yang deficiency may present as lower energy, feeling chilly, or reduced libido.

TCM treats these signs as imbalances to support and nurture, guiding holistic care for the body and mind, rather than describing illness.

How Acupuncture Can Help

Acupuncture works gently to support balance and the body’s natural rhythms:

Hormone regulation: Helps smooth fluctuations in FSH and oestrogen
Fertility support: Enhances blood flow to ovaries and uterus
Symptom relief: Can ease hot flashes, sleep changes, and mood shifts
Energy support: Supports overall vitality and balance

If you wish to consider assisted fertility support, regular acupuncture as part of your integrated fertility plan can be a helpful and steadying helping hand.

Research highlights:

Electroacupuncture may improve sleep and wellbeing for those with POI (Li et al., 2020)
Acupuncture can also support hormone balance and cycle regulation (Lund et al., 2019)

Ways Emma Can Support You

Alongside acupuncture, I offer gentle, whole-person support:

Dietary guidance: Nourishing foods to support your energy and hormonal balance
Breathwork and movement: Gentle Qigong, yoga, or guided breathing for relaxation
Tracking tools: Basal Body Temperature (BBT), period, and symptom tracking to notice patterns
Personalised acupuncture sessions: Tailored to your hormone levels, symptoms, and lifestyle

These approaches work with your body, supporting mind, body, and reproductive health in a nurturing way.

Conclusion

POI can feel challenging, but there are many ways to support your wellbeing and balance through this stage. TCM, acupuncture, lifestyle adjustments, and mindful tracking provide a gentle, empowering, and whole-body approach, helping you feel aligned with your body and energy.

If you’d like to explore how TCM and acupuncture could support you through POI, book a session at Emma Hart Acupuncture or email me with any questions - I’m always happy to guide you.