PMS Research Study Overview
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is one of the most common gynecological conditions with no standard modern therapeutic schedule. Some studies have reported the effects of acupuncture in treating PMS, but the intervention times vary. This PMS research study evaluated the efficacy of acupuncture for patients with PMS and the appropriate time to initiate acupuncture therapy.
Research Methods
Investigators performed a comprehensive literature search on nine electronic databases from inception to September 2018. Specifically, they included RCT (randomized controlled trials) on acupuncture for PMS compared with medication, sham (fake) acupuncture, or no treatment. In addition, they carried out statistical analysis and investigation of heterogeneity sources.
PMS Study Results
The researchers included a total of 15 studies comprising 1103 cases. Overall, acupuncture significantly reduced PMS symptoms compared with medicine and sham acupuncture. Subgroup analyses showed no significant difference among different intervention times to start acupuncture treatment. Among the acupoints involved in treating PMS, SP6, LV3, and CV4 were the most commonly used.
PMS Research Conclusions
This PMS research study reveals that acupuncture leads to a better effective rate. Further, it determines that the intervention time has no significant effect on the efficacy of acupuncture treatment for PMS. Furthermore, SP6, LV3, and CV4 are the most commonly used acupoints in treating PMS.
What is PMS?
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is characterized by repeated emotional, behavioral, and physical disorders during the luteal phase (the second half of a woman’s cycle) and typically resolves by the onset of menstruation. Globally, 50%-80% of women experience premenstrual syndrome, and 30%-40% of them present with severe symptoms affecting their physical and mental health, requiring medical intervention.
Despite extensive PMS research, the causes of PMS are unknown, and the pathogenesis is not well understood. Presently, pharmacological intervention for PMS includes hormone therapy and symptomatic treatment using progesterone, oryzanol, vitamins, and oral anti-anxiety antidepressants. Due to limited evidence on the benefits of sustained progesterone and the side effects of antidepressants, doctors have begun to recommend alternative therapies for patients with PMS. Acupuncture is currently one of the most commonly used therapies.
Current Research on PMS and Acupuncture
Investigators have performed numerous PMS research RTCs and meta-analyses in the past to assess the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of PMS. However, there is no previous meta-analysis on the appropriate intervention time of acupuncture in treating PMS and, therefore, no uniform standard.
The onset of premenstrual syndrome is periodic. Modern experiments have confirmed that time affects the efficacy of acupuncture. Acupuncture modulates the “yin-yang balance” of the human body by stimulating acupuncture points with sterile, single-use, fine needles inserted into the skin.
Chinese Medicine and PMS
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) believes that PMS is related to the periodic yin-yang changes in the menstrual cycle. Therefore, some clinicians attach importance to intervention time when treating PMS with acupuncture according to the rules of yin-yang changes. However, the choice of intervention time, typically based on traditional theory and experience, lacks evidence-based data.
This PMS research meta-analysis compared the efficacy of the acupuncture and control groups (including drugs, placebo acupuncture, and no treatment) in patients with PMS. It further compared the effectiveness of different intervention times in the acupuncture group to determine the best treatment intervention time. The meta-analysis also counted the frequency of acupoints used to treat PMS.
PMS Acupuncture Discussion
This PMS research study shows that the overall effectiveness of acupuncture treatment of premenstrual syndrome is superior to that of Western medications, consistent with previous systematic review reports.
Modern neurophysiological studies have shown that acupuncture promotes the release of specific neuropeptides by stimulating the central nervous system, causing critical physiological effects, and even activating self-repair mechanisms. Acupuncture activates Aα, β, δ, and cholinergic fibers, thereby regulating autonomic nervous system activity. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that “the balance of Yin and Yang” is the key to health. In addition, acupuncture regulates blood circulation and balances the yin and yang through local stimulation of acupoints.
PMS, Metabolism & Immunity
As early as 2006, PMS research investigators determined the complex and close interactions between metabolism and immunity to be key mechanisms for the body to maintain homeostasis. Abnormalities in metabolism and immunity accompany many disease processes.
Therefore, the journal “Nature Reviews Immunology” officially proposed the concept of immunometabolism, which has become a hot topic in the scientific community. Interestingly, the TCM theory and “yin -yang balance theory” have many similarities to this concept. TCM believes that the nutrient metabolism in modern medicine belongs to “yin” while the immunoinflammatory reaction belongs to “yang.”
The interaction between immunity and metabolism represents the balance of “yin and yang, qi, and blood” to a certain extent. At the same time, TCM acupuncture treatment achieves the balance of yin and yang by stimulating local acupoints.
PMS Research Conclusions
This PMS research study concludes that acupuncture treatment leads to significantly reduced symptoms in PMS patients. Furthermore, there is no significant difference in the effective rate based on the intervention time of acupuncture treating PMS. Treatment helps, no matter when the patient receives it. In addition, the most commonly utilized acupoints for PMS treatment include SP6, LV3, and CV4.
Next Steps
At Raleigh Acupuncture, we have been helping patients reduce and resolve PMS symptoms for nearly two decades. Acupuncture is one of the most effective treatments for PMS, painful periods, irregular menstruation, and infertility.
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What our Clients are Saying
Raleigh Acupuncture is absolutely the best acupuncture clinic I’ve ever been to. Jade and Mark are amazing practitioners, caring, professional and wise. They resolved my PMS and painful periods. Now my entire family goes to them for care. I love acupuncture and I love them!!
I had the world’s worst PMS. Raleigh Acupuncture cured it. It took three months, but it was worth it. Now — no pain, no bloating, I don’t feel like I’m losing my mind every month. What a relief. Thank you Raleigh Acupuncture!!
