Randomised trial, 2002
Does acupuncture treat PMS symptoms?
Acupuncture may help PMS symptoms. 77.8% of women in the acupuncture group improved, compared to 5.9% in the placebo group.
What they did
Two groups of women with PMS: one received acupuncture treatments (up to four sessions), the other received placebo. Neither group nor doctors knew which was which.
What they found
In the acupuncture group, 9 women improved after 2 treatments, 8 after 3 treatments, and 1 after 4 treatments. Overall 77.8% improved with acupuncture versus 5.9% with placebo. One woman had a small bruise at the needle site.
What it means for you
Acupuncture may reduce PMS symptoms for many women. The study was small and we don't fully understand how acupuncture works for PMS. The side effects were minimal.
77.8%
improved with acupuncture
5.9%
improved with placebo
4
maximum acupuncture sessions
About the study
- Original title
- Using acupuncture to treat premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Habek D, Habek JC, Barbir A
- Journal
- Archives of gynecology and obstetrics
- Year
- 2002
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 16
- What was tested
- Acupuncture treatment, up to four sessions
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1007/s00404-001-0270-7
Topics
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