Updated: October 5, 2025
Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years and is defined by the cessation of ovulation and menstruation. It typically occurs around age 50 but can range from the early 40s to the late 50s.
The menopausal transition, often spanning about five years before and after menopause, is driven by a gradual decline in ovarian function. During this time, levels of estrogen (especially estradiol/E2) and progesterone fluctuate, while FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) begin to rise as the body attempts to maintain hormonal balance.
When the body struggles to adapt to these hormonal changes, various symptoms may arise—such as hot flashes (sudden warmth and facial flushing), excessive sweating, mood swings, anxiety, restlessness, and sleep disturbances.
Kampo Self-Check for Menopause
Kidney Yin Deficiency
(loss of cooling and nourishing fluids)
Kidney Yang Deficiency
(loss of warming and activating energy → fluid retention)
Qi & Blood Deficiency / Imbalance
(weakened vitality and nourishment)
The Complexity of Menopause
Menopausal symptoms vary widely in intensity and frequency among individuals, influenced by a combination of three key factors:
- Physical factors – Hormonal decline (particularly the drop in estrogen), natural aging of the ovaries, surgical removal of the ovaries, chemotherapy, and certain genetic or autoimmune conditions.
- Psychological factors – Chronic stress, emotional instability, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed.
- Environmental factors – Life responsibilities such as caring for aging parents, work stress, financial concerns, or the loss of a loved one.
Kampo’s Perspectives on Menopause
In Kampo medicine, Kidney Deficiency is considered the core cause of the menopausal transition. Qi, Blood, and Water imbalances are seen as branch manifestations—symptomatic patterns shaped by the individual’s constitution, lifestyle, and stressors. These imbalances arise from the decline of Kidney Essence (精 / sei) and express themselves differently in the body.
This decline affects the body’s ability to regulate heat, fluids, and emotions, leading to common menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and fatigue.
1. Kidney Yin Deficiency
Yin represents the body’s cooling and nourishing forces. When Yin becomes deficient, internal heat rises and essential fluids begin to dry up. This often results in hot flashes, night sweats, and a dry mouth or throat—particularly at night. Women may also experience insomnia, vaginal dryness, tinnitus, dizziness, and a general sense of anxiety or restlessness that seems to come without cause.
Western Medicine Link
- Kidney Yin Deficiency closely parallels estrogen deficiency, which leads to symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and insomnia. It may also resemble autonomic nervous system dysregulation or HPA axis imbalance, where the body’s stress response becomes overactive, leading to anxiety, restlessness, and disrupted sleep.
Dietary Support:
- Goji + Chrysanthemum Tea to nourish Yin and gently clear heat
- Cooked pears or tofu for cooling moisture
2. Kidney Yang Deficiency
Yang energy warms the body and fuels metabolic processes. When Yang is weakened, the body may struggle to circulate and transform fluids properly. As a result, symptoms such as cold hands and feet, frequent urination, and fluid retention—especially puffiness or bloating—can occur. Fatigue is common, often worse in the morning, and may be accompanied by low libido, a heavy sensation in the body, or feelings of mental fogginess.
Western Medicine Link
- Kidney Yang Deficiency resembles thyroid hypofunction (such as subclinical hypothyroidism), progesterone decline, and aspects of chronic fatigue syndrome. Symptoms like cold intolerance, low energy, fluid retention, and low libido are common in both systems. Frequent urination and puffiness may also suggest mild kidney insufficiency or reduced metabolic activity, which align with the Yang decline seen in Eastern medicine.
Dietary Support:
- Ginger + Licorice Tea to warm Yang and support digestion
- Cooked onions or leeks to promote fluid metabolism and circulation
3. Qi & Blood Deficiency / Imbalance
Qi moves and activates energy, while Blood nourishes tissues and grounds the mind. When these become deficient or imbalanced, women may experience brain fog, poor concentrating, and dizziness or lightheadedness. Even minimal physical or mental effort may lead to fatigue. Emotional symptoms like mood swings, irritability, or anxiety can also appear, along with palpitations, dry skin, and a sensation of coldness in the limbs. In perimenopause, irregular menstruation may be part of this pattern.
Western Medicine Link
- This pattern shares features with iron deficiency anemia, low-grade adrenal fatigue, and generalized anxiety or mood disorders often seen in perimenopause. Fatigue, dizziness, brain fog, and poor concentration reflect diminished oxygen and nutrient delivery (Blood deficiency), while low stamina, mood swings, and palpitations suggest energy metabolism or neurochemical imbalance—closely mirroring Qi deficiency or stagnation.
Dietary Support:
- Jujube + Dang Gui Tea to nourish Blood and calm the Heart
- Beets + Leafy Greens to build Blood and improve energy
- Sweet potatoes or brown rice (small portions) to support Qi
Menopause in Women vs. Men
In Kampo medicine, menopause is understood as a manifestation of Kidney Deficiency, but it appears differently in women and men.
- In women, abrupt Kidney decline can trigger Reversed Qi Flow, causing hot flashes, night sweats, and insomnia.
- In men, gradual decline leads to Qi Deficiency with fatigue, low motivation, poor focus, and low libido.
Kampo Therapy Q&A
Q. Why is Kampo helpful during menopause?
Unlike Western approaches that often target individual symptoms, Kampo takes a holistic approach, focusing on overall balance rather than isolated symptoms. This makes it well-suited to support wellness during transitional phases like menopause.*
Q. How long do menopause symptoms last?
Everyone’s experience is different. Some may notice few changes, while others may go through symptoms that gradually ease over time.
Q. Why do some people have stronger symptoms?
Q. Could my irritability and sleep issues be related to menopause?
They might be. If symptoms include night sweats or disrupted sleep, hormonal changes could be a factor. Kampo has traditionally been used to support balance. It’s best to consult a qualified practitioner for personalized guidance.
Notice: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Instead of self-diagnosing, we encourage you to consult a qualified healthcare provider for proper guidance and care.
