The Role of Acupuncture with Pain Management for Women with Period Pain

Abstract

Dysmenorrhoea is commonly experienced by younger women. In 2010 we published a Cochrane systematic review describing the evidence for acupuncture to treat primary dysmenorrhoea. This review concluded acupuncture may reduce period pain, however there is a need for further well-designed randomized controlled trials. The review recommended greater attention should be given to methodological design and the design of the treatment rationale, and the context of the treatment used in a research setting. We have recently completed an update of the review. This paper will provide an overview of the current evidence and describe characteristics of the dose of acupuncture associated with improved pain outcomes.