Randomised trial, 2025
Does electrical stimulation at acupuncture points reduce PMS symptoms?
Yes, based on a small study. Women who received electrical stimulation at real acupuncture points improved significantly more than those receiving sham treatment.
What they did
This randomized trial included 50 adolescent women aged 18-25 with PMS and BMI between 25 and 30 kg/m² in Egypt. Half received electrical stimulation at real acupuncture points 3 days before menstruation through day 4, with 7 sessions per month for 40 minutes each, for 3 months. The other half received the same treatment at sham acupuncture points.
What they found
Both groups improved. However, women receiving electrical stimulation at real acupuncture points had significantly greater reductions in pain intensity and PMS symptom severity compared to women receiving sham treatment (p=0.001).
What it means for you
Electrical stimulation at acupuncture points may help reduce PMS pain and symptom severity. The study is small and was conducted in one country, so results may not apply to all groups.
50
adolescent women studied
3
months of treatment
7
sessions per month
About the study
- Original title
- Effect of TENS on Acupoints in Premenstrual Syndrome
- Journal
- The Egyptian Journal of Hospital Medicine
- Year
- 2025
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 25
- What was tested
- Electrical stimulation (TENS) at real acupuncture points versus sham acupuncture points
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.21608/ejhm.2025.406775
Topics
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