Survey study, 2013
Does acupuncture help PMS symptoms?
Possibly. Eight out of twelve published studies showed that acupuncture groups improved more than control groups, but the studies varied in quality and more research is needed.
What they did
Literature review searching medical databases (MEDLINE 2001-2011 and China National Knowledge Infrastructure 1992-2011) for studies testing acupuncture for PMS. Twelve studies meeting the review criteria were analyzed.
What they found
12 studies testing acupuncture for PMS were identified. Nine used body acupuncture, one used scalp acupuncture, and one used ear acupuncture. Three studies lacked control groups for comparison. Eight studies showed that the acupuncture groups improved more than control groups. The studies used different acupuncture points, strategies based on symptom patterns, and different treatment timing.
What it means for you
Acupuncture may help PMS based on available evidence, with about two-thirds of studies showing benefit. However, many studies had weak designs or no proper control groups. Future research should use rigorous methods with proper controls and test the specific approaches that worked best.
12
Studies reviewed
8
Studies showing acupuncture benefit
3
Studies lacking control groups
About the study
- Original title
- Acupuncture Treatment for Premenstrual Syndrome
- Authors
- Zheng-Rong Guo, Liang‐Xiao Ma
- Journal
- Medical Acupuncture
- Year
- 2013
- Study design
- Survey study
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1089/acu.2012.0913
Topics
Related studies
Systematic review, 2010
Does acupuncture treat premenstrual syndrome?
Cohort study, 2016
How many Australian women have PMS and do they use complementary medicine?
Case report, 2023
Does acupuncture combined with supplements and meditation help PMS?
Randomised trial, 2025
Do vitamin D and E supplements reduce menstrual pain and PMS symptoms?
Systematic review, 2025
Does digital healthcare help manage period pain and PMS?
Cohort study, 2025
How common is PMS in Chinese teenage girls, and what factors are linked to it?