BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Night sweats, insomnia and hot flashes are just some of the unpleasant side effects women face when they are taking hormone therapy to treat breast cancer.

Depriving the body of hormones lowers the odds that breast cancer will return, but it also mimics the symptoms of menopause.

However, a new study from Henry Ford Hospital has found that acupuncture may be a natural remedy for these unwanted side effects.

Researchers compared 12 weeks of acupuncture to 12 weeks of treatment with the antidepressant Effexor in women who were having frequent hot flashes as a result of breast cancer hormone therapy.

Results showed that acupuncture and Effexor both relieved the night sweats and hot flashes. But women taking Effexor complained of added side effects from the drug, including dry mouth, headache and nausea.

Those undergoing acupuncture had no side effects -- instead they reported increased well-being, and in some cases, an improved sex life.