“Conventional wisdom or dogma has been that these symptoms last only a few years and have minimal impact on quality of life,” but new research is overturning that, according to Dr. JoAnn Manson, chief of the Division of Preventive Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and a professor at Harvard Medical School.

“For many there is interruption of sleep, fatigue, reduced ability to do daily activities and impaired quality of life,” she told Reuters Health by phone.

“Hormone therapy, which doctors can prescribe, does ease menopausal symptoms, but over time will increase the risk of breast cancer.” “We also know that for many, when they go off of hormone therapy they can have a rebound effect and symptoms get worse,” she said. “That may be a time for trying mindfulness, acupuncture, yoga: that helps some women, but not all.”

“Some women may try herbs and botanicals, but these are not regulated by U.S. health officials and may interact with medications, so women should have a consultation with their doctors first,” Avis said.

In China, the herbs therapy is regulated by Chinese FDA and has to be prescribed by licensed practitioner. Herbs has been used by Chinese for thousands years including treatment of menopause. The origin of menopause is due to Kidney Yin deficiency which makes Yang (Hot) becomes dominant. The Yin Yang imbalance causes the internal heat which generates all kinds of symptoms. Treatment has to go through diagnosis, treatment principle, formula selection, herbs and quantity selections based on the variations on symptoms. Taking herbs is like adding a platter of vegetable dishes every day which will move the imbalance back to balance and helps relieving symptoms. It is holistic, and organic. Sometimes, even certain food can help. Obviously, acupuncture is following the same treatment principle and is an important part in treatment of menopause conditions.