A systematic review of all randomised control trails found convincing evidence on the effectiveness of using acupuncture to treat pain.
The study by the Oriental Hospital at Kyung Hee University Medical Centre in Korea analysed the evidence base for the use of acupuncture to treat period pains published internationally up to July 2008. Previous studies have so far been inconclusive.
Acupuncture stimulates the production of endorphins and serotonin in the central nervous system.
27 relevant studies of 2,960 women women of reproductive age with primary dysmenorrhoea, showed that acupuncture was preferable compared to pharmacological or herbal treatments.
The study, published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, evaluated classical acupuncture, electroacupuncture, laser acupuncture, electrical auricular acupuncture, auricular acupuncture, auricular acupressure and acupoint injection.
The analysis compared those treated with acupuncture to a control group, which included no treatment, placebo treatment, or pharmacological or non-pharmacological treatments met the study criteria.
Around 40 – 50% of young women have experienced primary dysmenorrhoea, or menstrual cramps, the cause of which is usually unknown. For some women, the pain can become more severe or may last for longer as they grow older.
When the causes are known, it is called ‘Secondary’ dysmenorrhoea. Related symptoms include nausea, diarrhoea, migraine, backache and mood swings. Common treatments include exercise, applying heat onto the lower abdomen or the use of painkillers.
However, some researchers treat the results with caution claiming were methodological flaws in some studies. They recommend future clinical trials follow standard guidelines.
“Some women suffer from intense period pains so much so that they are unable to function normally. It isn’t just pins and needles” said Professor Philip Steer, BJOG editor-in-chief.
“Women with primary dysmenorrhoea should consult their GPs or gynaecologists on the best treatment available to them” said Steer.
“ Complementary therapies should not be used exclusively, at the expense of conventional treatment, unless significant improvements have been made and your doctor tells you otherwise.”
Thanks for the research.
Interestingly, Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen may be more effective for relieving period pain than paracetamol according to the a Cochrane Review, It is unsure if it is a safer solution.
The study took data from 73 trials carried out in 18 different countries and involving a total of 5,156 women. The trials compared NSAIDs with placebo, with each other, and with paracetamol. Aspirin was not compared.
A large number of different NSAIDs tested in the trials, no one drug emerged as more safe or effective than the rest.
Overall, NSAIDs were shown to carry a significantly increased risk of adverse effects compared to placebo. Adverse effects can include indigestion, headaches, and drowsiness. “Women using these drugs need to be aware of the side effects,” said lead author Jane Marjoribanks, who works with the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group in Auckland, New Zealand . “It would be interesting to see whether these could be reduced, without loss of effectiveness, by combining lower doses with other drugs such as paracetamol, or with other therapies such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.”
Period pain affects a high proportion of women: up to 72% Australian 16-49 year old girls have the problem.
It is thought to be caused by an excess or imbalance of certain hormones released by the body during menstrual periods, including one called prostaglandin. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen are commonly used for period pain.
Yes, the effect of period pain can can greatly hider young girls educations in thirs world countires.
Here is a very promising report of help in Africa
“A U.S.-backed charity has begun distributing no-cost menstrual kits to Kenyan girls in an effort to address school absenteeism among low-income families, the New York Times reports. The kit program was developed by Huru International in partnership with the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, the Elton John AIDS Foundation, Johnson & Johnson, Sunflag Steel, Warner Brothers and other groups. The kits include washable, reusable sanitary pads; underwear; soap; and information about safer sex and HIV prevention.
According to a recent study in rural Ghana by Oxford University, many girls from low-income families will miss up to five days of school each month while they menstruate. Many such families are unable to afford disposable sanitary pads. Girls can be embarrassed to use substitutes like cloth, mattress padding or newspapers, which can leak and raise the risk of infection. In addition, girls often begin to receive pressure for sex from men, including their male teachers, when it becomes clear that they are ovulating, the study found (McNeil, New York Times, 2/16).