How can acupuncture help with PMS?
- Research published in the November 2002 issue of the Archive of Obstetrics and Gynecology concluded that 77.8% women receiving acupuncture for symptoms of PMS (including anxiety, phobic disorders, premenstrual headache, breast tenderness, insomnia, nausea and gastrointestinal problems) had a significant success rate, whereas only 5.9% in the placebo group benefited from treatment. The researchers concluded: “The initial positive results of PMS symptoms with a holistic approach are encouraging and acupuncture should be suggested to the patients as a method of treatment.”
- Research into dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain), reviewed in Reproductive Toxicology (Volume 17, 2002,) found that “the proportion of women whose average pain scores were halved after treatment was significantly higher in the real acupuncture group.”
- The results of a study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology in January, 1987, entitled “Acupuncture for the management of primary dysmenorrhea” found that in the real acupuncture group 90.9% of the women showed improvement; in the placebo acupuncture group, 36.4%; and in the standard control group, 18.2%. There was a 41% reduction of analgesic medication used by the women in the real acupuncture group after their treatment series, and no change or increased use of medication seen in the other groups.
- The results of a study published in Croatia in Jugosl Ginekol Opste, in 1984, entitled “Use of acupuncture in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea,” concluded that relief of dysmenorrheic pain was already evidenced after the first menstruation. One year after the completed therapy there was a full disappearance of dysmenorrheic pain in 93% of the cases and partial relief in 7% of the cases.
Who is affected by PMS?
As many as 75 percent of women experience some of the common symptoms associated with PMS during their reproductive years. For some women, the symptoms are significant, but of short duration and not disabling. Other women, however, may have one or more of a broad range of symptoms that temporarily disturb normal functioning. These symptoms may last from a few hours to many days. The types and intensity of symptoms vary in individuals. This group of symptoms is referred to as premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. Although the symptoms usually subside with onset of the menstrual period, in some women symptoms may last through and after their menstrual periods.
Approximately 30 to 40 percent of these women experience symptoms so severe that they disrupt daily activities and affect work, relationships, and social lives. It is estimated that less than 10 percent of women have symptoms so extreme that they are considered disabled by the condition. In general, women most likely to experience PMS symptoms are between the ages of 20 and 40, and particularly women from this age group who have young children.
What are the symptoms of PMS?
The following are the most common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
Psychological symptoms: irritability, nervousness, lack of control, agitation, anger, insomnia, difficulty in concentrating, lethargy, depression, severe fatigue, anxiety, confusion, forgetfulness, decreased self-image, paranoia, emotional hypersensitivity, crying spells, moodiness, sleep disturbances.
Gastrointestinal symptoms: abdominal cramps, bloating, constipation, nausea, vomiting, pelvic heaviness or pressure, backache.
Skin problems: acne, neurodermatitis (skin inflammation with itching, aggravation of other skin disorders, including cold sores.
Neurologic and vascular symptoms: headache, vertigo, syncope (fainting), numbness, tingling, or heightened sensitivity of arms and/or legs, easy bruising, heart palpitations, muscle spasms.
Fluid retention: edema (swelling of hands, ankles, and feet), periodic weight gain, breast fullness and pain.
Respiratory problems: allergies, infections.
Other: painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea), diminished libido, appetite changes, food cravings, decreased coordination, hot flashes.
What causes PMS?
In terms of Western medicine, the following have been suggested as possible causes of PMS:
- estrogen-progesterone imbalance
- hyperprolactinemia (excessive secretion of prolactin, the hormone that stimulates breast development)
- excessive aldosterone, or ADH (hormone that functions in the regulation of the metabolism of sodium, chloride, and potassium)
- carbohydrate metabolism changes
- retention of sodium and water by the kidneys
- hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- allergy to progesterone
- psychogenic factors
In terms of traditional Chinese medicine, the main imbalance that causes PMS is Liver Qi Stagnation. The liver system is responsible for the smooth flow of qi and reflects the rise and fall of hormone levels in the endocrine system. Stress, emotional strain, poor diet, overwork, and excessive sexual activity can all adversely affect the liver and kidney systems and cause stagnation in the flow of qi.
Both acupuncture and Chinese herbs, by themselves or in combination, provide excellent results for PMS. The majority of cases can be helped, though it usually takes at least three menstrual cycles to regulate symptoms completely even when there is immediate improvement after only one cycle.
There are several different “patterns” (diagnoses) associated with PMS in Chinese medicine, and during the initial session we establish which particular pattern is involved—this is what determines the individual treatment and, if indicated, an herbal formula to relieve symptoms. Specific acupuncture points are used to alleviate pain, calm the spirit, soothe the Liver system, resolve stagnation, tonify the Spleen system, or any number of other goals during treatment, depending on each person’s unique situation.