Norwegian researchers have concluded that acupuncture can help reduce the frequency and severity of menopausal hot flushes. In a multicentre, randomised, controlled trial involving 267 women, the effects of acupuncture plus self-care, were compared with the effects of self-care alone.
In the acupuncture group, hot flush frequency decreased by 5.8 flushes per 24 hours, compared to 3.7 per 24 hours in the control group. Similarly, the acupuncture group experienced a decrease in hot flush intensity of 3.2 units, compared to 1.8 units in the control group.
Women in the acupuncture group also reported significant improvements in other quality of life indices such as sleep. (The Effects of Acupuncture on Hot Flushes among Menopausal Women (Acuflash) Study, A Randomised Controlled Trial. Menopause 2009 May-June.)
Norwegian researchers have looked at the effectiveness of acupuncture to treat hot flushes arising as a result of anti-oestrogen medication (Tamoxifen) in women being treated for breast cancer. In the trial, 59 women were randomly allocated to receive ten weeks of either traditional Chinese acupuncture, or sham acupuncture as a control. During the treatment period, the true acupuncture group experienced a 50% reduction in hot flushes during the day, rising to 60% at night; flushes reduced further by another 30% both day and night, over the subsequent twelve weeks. In the sham acupuncture group, there was a 25% reduction during the day whilst treatment persisted, but this effect was reversed over the subsequent twelve weeks; no reduction occurred in night time flushes. (Acupuncture for the Treatment of Hot Flashes in Breast Cancer Patients: a Randomised Controlled Trial. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2008 Oct Epub ahead of print).
Italian researchers have evaluated the benefits of acupuncture for menstrual pain which has been resistant to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Fifteen women received acupuncture weekly for eight weeks, and were allowed to continue using painkillers as necessary. Pain was assessed at four points during the trial, including at three and six months afterwards. A substantial reduction in both pain and NSAID use was observed in 87% of the women. Average pain duration and intensity, were still more than 50% lower six months after treatment. Seven patients had no further symptoms at all, at six month follow-up. (Acupuncture Treatment of Dysmenorrhea Resistant to Conventional Medical Treatment, Evidence Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine 2008 June.)
A German study has looked at the clinical and cost-effectiveness of acupuncture for 649 women with painful periods. Of the group, 201 agreed to be randomised to receive either acupuncture or no acupuncture, in addition to any usual care they had. Those women who declined randomisation, were allocated to the acupuncture group. Fifteen acupuncture treatments were given over a three month period. At the end of the trial, average pain intensity was 3.1 in the acupuncture group, versus 5.4 in the non-acupuncture group. The authors concluded that acupuncture was associated with improvements in pain and quality of life, and was also cost effective. (American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology 2008 February)
A Swedish review article has evaluated the use of acupuncture to prevent and reduce symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Assessing clinical data from studies in women with PCOS, and rat models of PCOS, the authors suggest acupuncture may benefit PCOS patients by affecting the neuroendocrine system, and exerting long-lasting beneficial effects on the metabolic and endocrine (hormone) systems and on ovulation. (Acupuncture in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Current Experimental and Clinical Evidence, Journal of Neuroendocrinology 2007 Nov 28)
|
|