— PERIMENOPAUSE & MENOPAUSE SUPPORT
Hot flashes, sleepless nights, brain fog, a mood that doesn't feel like yours anymore — these are signs of a transition, not a mystery. At Healing with Zen in Pasadena, we build a plan around what's actually happening in your body.
Perimenopause doesn't look the same for everyone. You might still be getting a
regular period and still be in the thick of it — waking at odd hours, more irritable
than usual, foggier, not quite yourself.
Hot Flashes
Sleep Problems &
Insomnia
Night Sweats
Anxiety & Mood Changes
Brain Fog
Fatigue &
Low Energy
Irregular or
Changing Periods
Heart Palpitations
Other symptoms may include headaches or migraines, joint and muscle
discomfort, vaginal dryness, pain during sex, changes in libido, urinary changes,
heavier or lighter periods, and changes in weight or body composition.
Per the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), menstrual
cycle changes, hot flashes, sleep problems, night sweats, and vaginal and
urinary changes are among the symptoms that can occur during the menopause
transition. ACOG — The Menopause Years
Struggling most with sleep? Visit our Insomnia page. Noticing more stress or
anxiety? Visit our Stress & Anxiety page.
— THE PROGRESSION
These terms are often used interchangeably — but they describe different
stages of the same transition.
Perimenopause
Hormones begin fluctuating. Periods may change. Symptoms may begin.
Menopause
Reached after 12 consecutive months without a period, with no other medical explanation.
Postmenopause
The years that follow. Some symptoms ease; others persist or change
What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause means "around menopause" — the transition during which ovarian hormone production changes and estrogen can fluctuate. For many, the first noticeable sign is a change in the menstrual cycle.
What is menopause & postmenopause?
Menopause is reached after 12 consecutive months without a period — on average, around age 51 in the U.S. Every woman's transition is different, which is why we believe care should be individualized.
You're sleeping differently. Your energy has changed. You're more anxious than you used to be.
Maybe your periods are unpredictable — or still completely regular, and you're wondering whether this could really be
perimenopause. Maybe you simply don't feel like yourself anymore.
This is exactly why we look at the whole picture.
— PHILOSOPHY
Instead of treating "menopause" as one single condition, we look at the individual pattern of symptoms occurring in each person — and treat the person, not just the diagnosis.
How are you sleeping?
Are you experiencing hot flashes or night sweats?
Have your periods changed?
How is your digestion?
Are you experiencing headaches?
Has your stress or anxiety changed?
How is your energy?
Do your symptoms shift through your cycle?
— TREATMENT
Personalized treatments based on your symptoms, health history, and individual TCM pattern.
Customized formulas when appropriate — we don't believe in one "menopause formula" for every woman.
Individualized nutritional, lifestyle, and supplement guidance incorporated into your plan when appropriate.
Acupressure, ear seeds, dietary changes, or other strategies to use between visits, depending on your needs.
— BENEFITS OF ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture has been studied as a non-pharmacological, complementary
option for several symptoms tied to the menopause transition.
Clinical research has looked at acupuncture for menopausal hot flashes and other vasomotor symptoms, with some studies reporting reductions in frequency or severity.
Acupuncture has also been studied for sleep disturbances associated with perimenopause and menopause.
Research has examined whether acupuncture may improve menopause-related symptoms and quality-of-life measures.
Findings are not uniform, and acupuncture should not be presented as a guaranteed treatment or a replacement for appropriate medical care. At Healing with Zen, treatment is personalized to your symptoms, history, and needs. Learn more about acupuncture here →
— WHY ARE YOU WAKING UP AT 3 AM
If you've been asking yourself this, you're not alone. Some women have trouble f
alling asleep; others wake repeatedly through the night or find themselves wide
awake at 2 or 3 AM. Night sweats can interrupt sleep, and stress or anxiety can
make it harder to fall back asleep.
A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of acupuncture for perimenopausal
and menopausal insomnia — nine randomized controlled trials, 968 participants
— reported improvements in several sleep-related outcomes, while also noting
limitations in the available evidence. Read the research on PubMed

— WHY DO I SUDDENLY FEEL MORE ANXIOUS?
Some women notice they feel more anxious, irritable, emotionally sensitive, or overwhelmed during perimenopause — even if anxiety was never a major issue before. Sleep disruption, physical symptoms, hormonal changes, and the general weight of midlife may all play a part.
We don't automatically separate emotional symptoms from physical ones. We want to understand how sleep, stress, digestion, menstrual changes, energy, and pain may fit together.
— TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE SUPPORT
Chinese herbal medicine has traditionally been used to address a wide range of symptom patterns in women's health. At Healing with Zen, herbal formulas are individualized — we don't believe every woman going through menopause should automatically receive the same "menopause formula."
Your practitioner may consider your sleep, digestion, temperature changes, menstrual history, energy, stress, headaches, night sweats, and hot flashes before determining whether herbal medicine is right for you.

Herbs and supplements can interact with medications and may not be appropriate for everyone. We recommend working with a qualified practitioner and keeping your physicians informed about anything you're taking.

— PERIMENOPAUSE, MENOPAUSE & HRT
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine don't have to be an either/or choice with conventional medicine. Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), often called HRT, is an established medical treatment for certain symptoms — ACOG states that systemic estrogen therapy, with or without progestin depending on whether a woman has a uterus, is the most effective treatment for hot flashes and night sweats. Hormone therapy has potential benefits and risks that should be discussed individually with your OB/GYN. Learn more from ACOG
Some women choose acupuncture because they prefer a non-pharmacological approach. Others receive acupuncture alongside their OB/GYN or another healthcare provider. We support an integrative approach and encourage our patients to work collaboratively with their care team.
Not every symptom in your 40s or 50s should automatically be attributed to perimenopause. It's important to discuss new or concerning symptoms with your healthcare provider — particularly unusually heavy bleeding, bleeding
between periods, bleeding after menopause, significant changes in your menstrual pattern, or other new or unexplained symptoms.
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can complement appropriate medical care but should not delay evaluation of symptoms that may require medical diagnosis or treatment. ACOG — The Menopause Years ↗
— PATIENT TESTIMONIALS
Hundreds of 5 star experiences from patients across Pasadena, Los Angeles, and the San Gabriel Valley
— GETTING STARTED
We don't rush your first appointment. New patients begin with our two-part
process, giving us time to understand what's going on and build a plan
specifically for you.
Step One
Your first visit is about understanding you — not simply treating a list of symptoms. We'll take a full health history covering your primary concerns, menstrual and reproductive history, sleep, hot flashes or night sweats, stress, digestion, energy, headaches, pain, medications, supplements, and lifestyle, along with a TCM assessment.
• Approximately 90 minutes
• Includes your first personalized acupuncture treatment
Step Two
During our Follow-up Session, we put the pieces together, review our findings from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, and build your personalized care plan — including recommended treatment frequency and any other therapies that may be appropriate, such as ear seeds or herbal medicine.
• Approximately 60 minutes
• Includes your second acupuncture treatment
— VIRTUAL CONSULTATION
You don't have to live near Pasadena to receive personalized guidance. Our virtual consultations give you one-on-one time with a licensed acupuncturist to discuss your symptoms, history, and goals from home.
Depending on your needs and location, your virtual consultation may include:
— Nutritional and lifestyle support
— Supplements
— At-home acupressure
— Other personalized self-care strategies
— Chinese herbal medicine, when clinically and legally appropriate

— MEET OUR PRACTITIONERS
Our licensed acupuncturists take the time to understand your health
concerns, lifestyle, and wellness goals — every treatment is personalized
to you.
Acupuncturist, Herbalist & Clinical Director

LICENSE
CA Board Certified
GRADUATE
Emperor's College
UNDERGRADUATE
UC San Diego
CLINICAL AFFILIATION
NCCAOM Certification
DOCTORAL GRADUATE
YO SAN University
Zen Tuan is a California board certified physician of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the founder of Healing with Zen in Pasadena, CA. Her path into TCM began with a snowboarding injury. One acupuncture session restored range of motion in an immobilized arm that had been in a sling, and the experience redirected her career.
She holds a Masters Degree in Acupuncture and Traditional Oriental Medicine from Emperor's College and a Bachelor of Science from UC San Diego, with specialist training in pain relief, fertility, gynecology, digestive disorders, and mental health. Zen also provided acupuncture services at The Disney Family Cancer Center for 10 years, where she focused on cancer patient care using Balance Method acupuncture.
Acupuncturist & Herbalist

LICENSE
CA Board Certified
GRADUATE
SCU of Health Sciences
UNDERGRADUATE
Pace University
CLINICAL AFFILIATION
NCCAOM Certification
DOCTORAL GRADUATE
SCU of Health Sciences
Kiera Layne is a licensed practitioner of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine at Healing with Zen. Her path into Traditional Chinese Medicine began after realizing she wanted a career that aligned more closely with her values, interests, and passion for holistic healing. Her passion for helping others discover its benefits.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship-Management with a minor in Biology from Pace University and a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine from Southern California University of Health Sciences, where she completed a concentration in Healthy Aging. Her capstone focused on the use of acupuncture and herbal medicine for Rheumatoid Arthritis.
— PERIMENOPAUSE & MENOPAUSE SUPPORT • PASADENA, CA
Healing with Zen works with patients seeking support for perimenopause,
menopause, hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, stress and anxiety, menstrual
changes, fertility, pregnancy, postpartum health, headaches, digestive concerns,
pain, and overall wellness. We believe women's health deserves individualized care.
We're located in Pasadena and serve patients from South Pasadena, San Marino,
Altadena, Arcadia, La Cañada Flintridge, and throughout the San Gabriel Valley
and greater Los Angeles area.
— FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The first signs vary. Changes in cycle length or flow are common, but some women first notice hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, mood changes, or vaginal symptoms. You may still be having periods while beginning the transition.
Perimenopause commonly begins during the 40s, though changes may begin earlier. Menopause itself occurs at an average age of approximately 51 in the United States.
Changes in your cycle combined with hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances or mood or vaginal changes may suggest perimenopause — but other conditions can cause similar symptoms. Your healthcare provider can help determine what's going on.
Yes. Perimenopause is a transition rather than something that happens overnight. Some women continue relatively regular cycles while experiencing other symptoms.
Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause. Menopause is reached after 12 consecutive months without a period, with no other medical explanation. The years after are called postmenopause.
Duration varies considerably. Perimenopause continues until menopause is confirmed after 12 consecutive months without a period.
Changing hormones, night sweats, stress, and anxiety may all contribute. Persistent insomnia should be discussed with a healthcare professional, particularly if it affects daytime functioning.
Mood and emotional changes can occur during this transition. New, severe, or persistent anxiety should still be appropriately evaluated rather than assumed to be hormonal.
Women commonly report changes in concentration, memory, energy, and sleep — but these can also have other causes, so persistent symptoms deserve evaluation.
Some women report palpitations during this transition. New, persistent, or concerning heart symptoms should be discussed with a medical provider.
Research has looked at acupuncture for hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and quality of life, with mixed results across studies. It may be considered as part of an individualized, integrative approach.
Some studies report reductions in hot flash frequency or severity following acupuncture, though findings vary — best considered a complementary option rather than a guaranteed treatment.
Several studies and reviews have investigated acupuncture for perimenopausal and menopausal insomnia, with some reporting sleep improvements — though study quality varies and more research is needed.
Chinese herbal medicine has traditionally been used for various menopause-related patterns. Formulas should be individualized and supervised by a trained practitioner, since herbs can interact with medications.
Yes — many women use acupuncture alongside conventional care, including HRT. Keep all your providers informed about medications, herbs, supplements, and therapies you're using.
There's no single schedule that fits everyone. Frequency depends on your symptoms, severity, overall health, and response to treatment — your acupuncturist will recommend a plan after your initial evaluation.
No. Patients who can visit our Pasadena clinic receive in-person care; we also offer virtual consultations for anyone who can't come to the office or prefers guidance from home.
If hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, anxiety, brain fog, fatigue,
headaches, or irregular periods are interfering with your life, we're
here to help you understand your options — and build a plan around you.
Visit us in Pasadena, CA
Begin with our comprehensive new-
patient consultation and your first
personalized acupuncture treatment.
Meet with us virtually
Schedule a one-on-one virtual
consultation to discuss your
symptoms, concerns, and options.
Healing with Zen — Pasadena, California
Acupuncture · Traditional Chinese Medicine · Herbal Medicine · Women's Health
Written / reviewed by Zen Tuan, L.Ac., Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist, Founder, Healing with Zen. Last reviewed: 9/7/2026