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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07737210

Effect of Electroacupuncture on Premenstrual Syndrome in Young Women

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of electroacupuncture on premenstrual syndrome in young women.

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Key information

Conditions

Premenstrual Syndrome Menstruation Disturbances Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Age range

20 year–29 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Cairo university

Cairo, Egypt

About this study

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) begins during fertility years and ceases at menopausal period. This syndrome manifests itself during every monthly luteal stage in the form of a complex of somatic, psychological and behavioral disorders. It usually starts 6 to 12 days before menstruation and it lasts 2 to 4 days after menstrual bleeding.

Surgical treatment, drug treatment (such as hormonal use, antidepressant and analgesic drugs) and non-drug therapies (such as lifestyle changes and exercise). Considering the side effects of drug and surgical treatments, non-drug therapies, especially physical activity, have attracted the attention of specialists and women with the disease.

Previous studies reported that a combination of Mg and vitamin B6 induced a reduction of mild premenstrual anxiety-related symptoms and the mean score of (PMS).

So, This study provided evidences of the effect of electroacupuncture on premenstrual syndrome in young women for all health care providers who are interested in the field of women's health.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Women diagnosed with or suffering from premenstrual syndrome.
  • Regular menstrual cycles.
  • Age from 20 to 29 years.
  • Body mass index (BMI) from 25 to 29.9 kg/m².
  • Single, virginal, and non-smoking participants.

Exclusion criteria

  • Cardiorespiratory, renal, neurological, pelvic inflammatory, thyroid, or mental disorders.
  • Anemia, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, headache, or migraine.
  • Acupuncture treatment during the preceding six months.
  • Pregnancy or intention to become pregnant.
  • Participation in another exercise or training program during the study.
  • Use of medications or hormonal treatment that could influence the study outcomes.

Treatment and study plan

Nutritional Supplement

Dietary Supplement

The participants received daily nutritional supplementation for three consecutive menstrual cycles, consisting of calcium 800-1000 mg/day, magnesium 250 mg/day, vitamin B6, and zinc 10 mg/day.

Electroacupuncture

Device
  • Total number of electroacupuncture sessions: 21 sessions.
  • Schedule: 7 consecutive daily sessions during each menstrual cycle for 3 consecutive cycles.
  • Timing in each cycle: treatment started 3 days before the expected onset of menstruation and continued through the fourth day of menstruation.
  • Session duration: approximately 20-30 minutes.
  • Needle specification used in the actual procedure: sterile filiform needles, 0.30 mm × 40 mm.
  • Needle sensation: insertion was performed to elicit Deqi.
  • Electrical stimulation device: TensCare; dense-wave mode.
  • Acupuncture points: LI4 (Hegu), LI11 (Quchi), P6 (Neiguan), LIV3/LR3 (Taichong), SP6 (Sanyinjiao), ST36 (Zusanli), DU20 (Baihui), REN2 (Qugu), REN6 (Qihai), and REN12 (Zhongwan).

Primary outcomes

  1. Premenstrual syndrome severity

    Time frame: 3 months

    Premenstrual syndrome severity was measured using the Premenstrual Syndrome Questionnaire (PMSQ). It was assessed during the late luteal phase at baseline before the first treatment session and again during the late luteal phase after completion of the three-cycle intervention period. Premenstrual Syndrome Questionnaire (PMSQ) scoring evaluates symptom severity on a 3-point scale (1 = mild, 2 = moderate, 3 = severe) across categories like anxiety, fluid retention, and mood changes to determine the impact of premenstrual changes. Lower scores indicate improvement in premenstrual syndrome symptoms.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Serum progesterone concentration (ng/mL).

    Time frame: 3 months

    A 5-mL venous blood sample was collected from each participant in both groups before treatment and again after completion of three consecutive menstrual cycles during the individualized mid-luteal phase, approximately 6-8 days before the expected onset of menstruation according to each participant's usual cycle length. Normal value of progesterone in luteal phase:0.95-21 ng/ml.

  2. Serum estradiol (E2)

    Time frame: 3 months

    A 5-mL venous blood sample was collected from each participant in both groups before treatment and again after completion of three consecutive menstrual cycles during the individualized mid-luteal phase, approximately 6-8 days before the expected onset of menstruation according to each participant's usual cycle length. Normal value of estrogen E2 in luteal phase:27-246 pg/ml.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Cairo University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jul 30, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 30, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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