Study, 2012
Does acupuncture help PMS symptoms?
In this small study of 11 women, acupuncture treatment over 3 months reduced or eliminated PMS complaints. Muscle pain, breast pain, and painful periods showed the most obvious improvement.
What they did
Researchers treated 11 women aged 23-40 with PMS using acupuncture at 10 specific points. Treatment was given over 3 menstrual cycles. The researchers measured symptoms before and after, and also tested blood levels of 3 markers related to inflammation: nitric oxide, a stress marker, and a protective antioxidant.
What they found
PMS complaints decreased or disappeared completely. The most obvious improvements were in muscle pain, breast pain, and painful periods. Blood tests showed an increase in nitric oxide levels and in an antioxidant that protects cells. A marker of cell stress showed no change.
What it means for you
Acupuncture may help reduce PMS symptoms, particularly pain-related symptoms. The changes in blood antioxidants suggest the mechanism may involve reducing inflammation and protecting cells. The main limitations are the very small sample size of only 11 women and no comparison to women who didn't receive acupuncture.
11
women treated
3
menstrual cycles of treatment
10
acupuncture points used
About the study
- Original title
- Importance of acupuncture on premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Anil A, Peker T, Göktaş T et al.
- Journal
- Clinical and experimental obstetrics & gynecology
- Year
- 2012
- Study design
- Study
- Participants
- 11
- What was tested
- Acupuncture at 10 points for 3 menstrual cycles
- Read the paper
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22905466/
Topics
Related studies
Systematic review, 2010
Does acupuncture treat premenstrual syndrome?
Randomised trial, 2003
What complementary and alternative medicines help with women's reproductive health issues?
Cohort study, 2016
How many Australian women have PMS and do they use complementary medicine?
Case report, 2026
Can Korean medicine help severe period pain and premenstrual stomach problems?
Case report, 2023
Does acupuncture combined with supplements and meditation help PMS?
Survey study, 2013
Does acupuncture help PMS symptoms?