Category: Gynaecology

A multicentre randomised controlled study has concluded that acupuncture in addition to standard care, is associated with significant improvements in menopausal hot flushes and other menopause-related symptoms.

A total of 175 women were randomised to receive either twelve acupuncture treatments over four weeks in addition to usual care, or to usual care alone. In the acupuncture group, the average reduction in the 24 hour hot flush score was 17, compared to only 7 in the control group. The acupuncture group also showed significant improvements in other areas such as psychological and urogenital, compared to the control group.

(Effects of Acupuncture on Hot Flashes in Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Women – A Multicentre Randomised Clinical Trial. Menopause, March 2010.)

Norwegian researchers studying acupuncture for menopausal hot flushes, have concluded it can help reduce their frequency and severity. 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. The acupuncture group were given ten treatments.

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, May-June 2009.)

Norwegian researchers have looked at the effectiveness of acupuncture for 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. The authors make the observation that the treatment effect in the true acupuncture group seems to coincide with a general, measurable health improvement.

(Acupuncture for the Treatment of Hot Flashes in Breast Cancer Patients: a Randomised Controlled Trial. Breast Cancer Research & Treatment, July 2009.)

A study by researchers in Brazil, suggests that acupuncture can help in the rehabilitation of women following breast cancer surgery. Twenty-nine patients with lymphoedema and/or restricted range of arm movement following surgery, were given 24 weekly acupuncture treatments. At the end of the trial, significant improvements were noted in range of movement, lymphoedema, and sense of heaviness and tightening of the affected arm.

(Acupuncture in the Rehabilitation of Women after Breast Cancer Surgery – A Case Series. Acupuncture in Medicine, June 2008.)

Italian researchers have evaluated the benefits of acupuncture for period 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, June 2008.)