Acupuncture for Women's Health Conditions

This trial comprises three studies. In the first two studies, women will be randomly assigned to receive either real or sham acupuncture therapy. Study 1 will include women with various forms of cancer. White blood cell counts will be used to assess the effects of acupuncture on participants' immune responses. Study 2 will include women with unspecified pelvic pain and endometriosis; a self-report pain scale will be used to assess the effects of acupuncture on participants' symptoms. Study 3 will evaluate the validity and reliability of diagnoses made by Chinese medicine practitioners. In this study, a group of Chinese medicine practitioners will diagnose the same group of patients; consistency of the diagnoses will be evaluated.

Inclusion criteria

for Study 1:

• Newly diagnosed ovarian cancer; primary peritoneal cancer; papillary serous cancer of the endometrium; or mixed mesodermal tumor of the uterus, ovary, or fallopian tube
• Currently undergoing chemotherapy
• Meet certain laboratory test requirements

Inclusion criteria

for Study 2:

Currently closed to recruitment

• Diagnosed with endometriosis or unspecified pelvic pain

Exclusion criteria

for Studies 1 and 2:

• Use of white blood cell boosters
• Prior radiotherapy with the exception of whole-breast irradiation for breast cancer
• Prior myelotoxic chemotherapy
• History of symptomatic cardiac or psychiatric disorder
• Use of a pacemaker
• Use of herbs or herbal supplements
• Prior use of acupuncture
• Enrollment in other research studies