---
title: Does acupoint catgut embedding work better than fluoxetine for PMS?
description: Yes, the study found it significantly better than fluoxetine after 3 months (P < 0.005). However, this was a small, older study that only compared it to one m
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/observation-on-therapeutic-effect-of-acupoint-catgut-embedding-therapy-on-2006/
---

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- Does acupoint catgut embedding work better than fluoxetine for PMS?

Randomised trial, 2006

# Does acupoint catgut embedding work better than fluoxetine for PMS?

Yes, the study found it significantly better than fluoxetine after 3 months (P < 0.005). However, this was a small, older study that only compared it to one medication.

 Moderate study design

88 women with PMS

## What they did

88 women with PMS were randomly assigned to either acupoint catgut embedding treatment (with specific acupuncture points) or daily fluoxetine. Treatment lasted 3 months.

## What they found

Acupoint catgut embedding produced significantly better therapeutic effects than fluoxetine, with a very statistically significant difference (P < 0.005).

## What it means for you

The study suggests catgut embedding may work for PMS, but evidence is limited: only 88 women, from 2006, and compared to just one drug. Findings may not represent all women with PMS.

88

women in study

3 months

treatment duration

P < 0.005

statistical significance

## About the study

Original title [Observation on therapeutic effect of acupoint catgut embedding therapy on premenstrual syndrome] Authors Liu XY, Han N Journal Zhongguo zhen jiu = Chinese acupuncture & moxibustion Year 2006 Study design Randomised trial What was tested Acupoint catgut embedding versus fluoxetine Read the paper [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16642613/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16642613/)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[Acupuncture and acupressure](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-acupuncture/)

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