Randomised trial, 2021
Does electroacupuncture reduce PMS symptoms?
Yes. Electroacupuncture significantly reduced PMS symptoms compared to placebo acupuncture, and it changed several hormone and brain chemical levels.
What they did
60 people with moderate to severe PMS were randomly assigned to either electroacupuncture or placebo acupuncture from May to December 2018. Both groups received three courses of treatment. Symptom severity and hormone levels were measured during the treatment cycles.
What they found
The electroacupuncture group improved more than the placebo group starting from the first cycle for most symptoms. Compared to placebo, electroacupuncture increased progesterone and allopregnanolone, decreased 1,25-(OH)2D, CRH, and ACTH, and changed dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline, beta endorphin, GABA, glutamate, and prostaglandins F2 alpha and E2.
What it means for you
Electroacupuncture appears more effective than placebo for PMS. However, the abstract lists many chemical changes without explaining which are most important or by how much they changed, making it hard to understand the practical significance.
60
participants
3
courses of treatment
May-Dec 2018
treatment period
About the study
- Original title
- Effects of electroacupuncture on the premenstrual syndrome: A randomized clinical trial
- Authors
- Hongying Kuang, Jing Lin, Zhang Li et al.
- Journal
- Journal of Clinical Images and Medical Case Reports
- Year
- 2021
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 60
- What was tested
- Electroacupuncture delivered over three courses of treatment
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.52768/2766-7820/1228
Topics
Related studies
Review, 2026
How well do SSRIs treat PMS?
Systematic review, 2026
Why do some women experience mood changes linked to their menstrual cycle?
Case-control study, 2024
Do steroid hormone levels change differently across the menstrual cycle in women with PMDD?
Survey study, 2022
What causes PMS and PMDD and what new treatments are being studied?
Systematic review, 2021
Are there hormone changes that could explain PMDD or depression in women?
Randomised trial, 2003
What complementary and alternative medicines help with women's reproductive health issues?