Hormone Imbalance

Hormonal imbalance affects both women and men and can manifest as irregular or absent periods, PCOS, PMS, acne, hair loss, weight fluctuations, fatigue, mood swings, low libido, and thyroid dysfunction. While blood tests can identify specific hormonal deficiencies or excesses, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine work to restore the body's own regulatory mechanisms — supporting the endocrine system to produce and balance hormones naturally.

In TCM, hormonal health is governed primarily by the Kidney system (which controls reproductive hormones and adrenal function), the Liver system (which ensures smooth circulation of Qi and processes excess hormones), and the Spleen system (which supports energy production and blood quality). Imbalances in these systems — whether from stress, poor diet, overwork, or constitutional weakness — create the hormonal disruptions that produce symptoms.

For women with PCOS, acupuncture has been shown to influence ovulation, reduce circulating androgens, and improve insulin sensitivity. For PMS, treatment in the luteal phase (the two weeks before menstruation) can significantly reduce mood symptoms, breast tenderness, bloating, and irritability. For both sexes, acupuncture's ability to modulate the stress hormone cortisol helps address the widespread hormonal disruption caused by chronic stress.

Chinese herbal medicine is particularly powerful for hormonal conditions, with centuries of clinical use behind many of the formulas prescribed. Herbs are selected to match your specific pattern — for example, herbs that nourish Blood and Yin for deficiency-type imbalances, or herbs that clear Heat and move stagnation for excess-type patterns. Josephine combines acupuncture, herbal medicine, and targeted dietary advice to create a treatment plan that works with your body's natural rhythms.