"Its somewhat of a littleknown adverse effect of having breast cancer but studies suggest that approximately  to  of women with breast cancer report persistent hot flashes. Nocturnal hot flashes are among the most problematic because they can contribute to poor sleep. A new study shows that electroacupuncture may be effective in providing some relief. The study is being published online in Menopause the journal of The North American Menopause Society NAMS. Compared with women who undergo natural menopause women with breast cancer are at a greater risk of experiencing hot flashes partially as a result of the premature menopause that results from chemotherapy and surgery as well as estrogen deficiency caused by the use of breast cancer treatments such as tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors. It is estimated that by the year  there will be nearly six million breast cancer survivors in the United States. Researchers analyzed data from a randomized controlled trial involving  breast cancer survivors experiencing bothersome hot flashes. They compared the benefits of using electroacupuncture the application of a pulsating electric current to prescribing gabapentin an antiseizure medication frequently prescribed to treat sleep disturbances related to hot flashes. The study showed electroacupuncture to be comparable to if not better than gabapentin in helping to reduce hot flash severity and frequency and improving overall sleep quality including falling asleep faster and fewer sleep disruptions. Although it is not exactly understood how acupuncture affects sleep it has been shown to affect a number of neurotransmitters associated with sleep such as serotonin and melatonin. Poor sleep is particularly bothersome for breast cancer survivors experiencing nighttime hot flashes because it has been shown to increase levels of pain fatigue depression and anxiety. Although electroacupuncture produced significant sleep improvements researchers noted that sleep quality for the participants was still not as good as it should be implying that more research is necessary to explore possible combinations of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments. This study shows that for women who need or choose to avoid medications electroacupuncture may be an option because it has minimal risks but blinded controlled trials are needed says Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton NAMS executive director.  Funding for the study was provided in part by a grant from the National Institutes of HealthNational Cancer Institute Cancer Center. Founded in  The North American Menopause Society NAMS is North Americas leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the health and quality of life of all women during midlife and beyond through an understanding of menopause and healthy aging. Its multidisciplinary membership of  leaders in the fieldincluding clinical and basic science experts from medicine nursing sociology psychology nutrition anthropology epidemiology pharmacy and educationmakes NAMS uniquely qualified to serve as the definitive resource for health professionals and the public for accurate unbiased information about menopause and healthy aging. To learn more about NAMS visit http"