---
title: Does acupuncture or acupressure help PMS symptoms? | Niyora
description: Acupuncture may reduce mood-related PMS symptoms more than sham acupuncture, but the evidence is very weak due to small studies with design problems. We canno
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/acupuncture-and-acupressure-for-premenstrual-syndrome-2018/
---

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- Does acupuncture or acupressure help PMS symptoms?

Systematic review, 2018

# Does acupuncture or acupressure help PMS symptoms?

Acupuncture may reduce mood-related PMS symptoms more than sham acupuncture, but the evidence is very weak due to small studies with design problems. We cannot be confident it works.

 Early or limited evidence

277 women with PMS or PMDD across multiple countries

## What they did

Systematic review of randomized trials comparing acupuncture or acupressure against sham acupuncture, usual care, or medication. Searched multiple international databases. Included 5 trials with 277 women total. Treatment sessions ranged from 7 to 28 per person.

## What they found

Acupuncture may provide greater reduction in mood-related PMS symptoms compared to sham acupuncture. Quality of evidence was rated low to very low due to small sample sizes, detection bias, and selective reporting by study authors.

## What it means for you

There is very limited evidence that acupuncture helps PMS. The studies were small and had design problems, so we cannot be confident it works. Better-designed larger studies are needed before recommending it.

5

randomized trials included

277

women total

7 to 28

treatment sessions per person

## About the study

Original title Acupuncture and acupressure for premenstrual syndrome Authors Armour M, Ee CC, Hao J et al. Journal The Cochrane database of systematic reviews Year 2018 Study design Systematic review What was tested Acupuncture or acupressure compared to sham acupuncture, usual care, or medication Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd005290.pub2](https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd005290.pub2)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[Acupuncture and acupressure](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-acupuncture/)[Quality of life and daily functioning](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-quality-of-life/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

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