NCT06981533

Auricular Acupressure for Premenstrual Syndrome in Female Students

Efficacy of Auricular Acupressure in Treating Premenstrual Syndrome in Female Undergraduate Students

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 66 (actual)
• Sponsor: University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 18 Years – 25 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a common gynecological disorder that significantly affects the quality of life for women of reproductive age, with symptoms including emotional, behavioral, and physical disturbances occurring approximately one week before menstruation. PMS is especially prevalent among female undergraduate students, who often experience heightened stress due to academic pressures and lack emotional coping strategies. While pharmacological treatments, such as SSRIs and hormonal therapies, have been used to manage PMS symptoms, they may have side effects and are not always effective in the long term. This has led to increasing interest in alternative treatments such as traditional medicine. Auricular acupressure, a non-invasive and low-risk method, has shown promising results in managing PMS symptoms and is gaining attention as a possible solution. The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of auricular acupressure in reducing PMS symptoms in female undergraduate students. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does auricular acupressure reduce the severity of PMS symptoms in female undergraduate students? * Is auricular acupressure safe and well-tolerated by participants? Researchers will compare the intervention group (receiving auricular acupressure) to the control group (receiving sham auricular acupressure) to see if auricular acupressure has a significant impact on reducing PMS symptoms and improving quality of life. Participants will: * Receive auricular acupressure on specific acupoints or sham treatment. * Complete assessments of PMS symptoms using the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST) at baseline, 1 week, and 8 weeks. * Complete a quality of life assessment using the WHOQOL-Bref scale at the same time points. * Be monitored for any adverse effects during the 8-week trial period.

Detailed description

Participants and Methods: A randomized, single-blind, controlled trial was conducted with 60 female undergraduate students, aged 18 to 25 years, residing in Ho Chi Minh City, who exhibit symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) were eligible for inclusion. Participants were required to meet the inclusion criteria and not fall under any exclusion criteria. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups in a 1:1 ratio: the intervention group received auricular acupressure using Cowherb seeds (Wangbuliuxing seeds) applied to specific acupoints, including Shenmen (TF4), Sympathetic (AH6a), Endocrine (CO18), Liver (CO12), Kidney (CO10), Subcortex (AT4), and Zero Point, while the control group received a sham treatment. The sham treatment involved a patch of similar size to the Cowherb seed patch but without any active ingredients, applied to the same acupoint locations as the intervention group. Both groups were provided with instructions on lifestyle changes to help manage PMS symptoms. The intervention lasted for 8 weeks (2 menstrual cycles), with weekly patch changes alternating between the left and right ears. PMS symptoms were assessed using the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST), and quality of life was measured using the WHOQOL-Bref scale. Data were collected at baseline, after 1 week, and after 8 weeks. Adverse effects were carefully monitored throughout the study period.

Conditions

• Premenstrual Syndrome

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Auricular acupressure therapy	Auricular acupressure will be performed using Cowherb seeds (Wangbuliuxing seeds) applied to specific acupoints, including Shenmen (TF4), Sympathetic (AH6a), Endocrine (CO18), Liver (CO12), Kidney (CO10), Subcortex (AT4), and Zero Point on one ear, with treatment administered once a week, alternating between the left and right ears. In total, auricular acupressure was applied 8 times over a period of 8 weeks. The first treatment session occurred 5-7 days prior to the onset of menstruation. Participants were instructed to perform acupressure at the acupoint sites three times daily-morning, noon, and evening-pressing each point for 1 minute per session.
OTHER	Sham auricular acupressure therapy	Sham auricular acupressure therapy will be performed using similarly sized adhesive patches without seeds, applied to the same acupoint locations as in the intervention group. The procedure steps and the duration of the trial were the same as in the auricular acupressure group.
OTHER	Lifestyle modifications	Lifestyle modifications will be followed according to the "Guidelines for the Management of Premenstrual Syndrome" by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), which will include: Regular moderate exercise (such as walking, yoga, or swimming), stress reduction, and ensuring quality sleep (7-8 hours per night); Reducing intake of salt, sugar, and foods containing saturated fats; Increasing intake of high-fiber foods such as fruits and vegetables; Avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol, and other stimulants.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-04-20
• Primary completion: 2025-06-30
• Completion: 2025-06-30
• First posted: 2025-05-20
• Last updated: 2025-07-18

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Vietnam