Research: LUND and COLLEAGUES,

Listed in Issue 261

Abstract

LUND and COLLEAGUES, 1. kaml@sund.ku.dk are proposing to conduct an un-blinded randomised trial to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture on moderate-to-severe menopausal symptoms and hot flushes HF in particular

Background

Around 75% of menopausal women experience hot flushes (HF) and 10-20% of all postmenopausal women find this very distressing. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture on moderate-to-severe menopausal symptoms in general and HF in particular.

Methodology

An un-blinded randomised trial (cross-over) with 1:1 allocation to early (intervention) versus late (control) acupuncture. The included women suffer from moderate-to-severe HF and will receive a weekly treatment during five consecutive weeks in the following predefined acupuncture points: CV-3, CV-4, LR-8, SP-6, SP-9. All acupuncturists will be medical doctors educated in acupuncture. The primary outcome is change in HF from baseline to week 6 measured by the HF scale from the MenoScores Questionnaire (MSQ). Secondary outcomes are change in other menopausal symptoms, in particular day and night sweats and menopausal-specific sleeping problems, also measured by other scales from the MSQ. A total of 68 patients must be enrolled to detect a relevant clinical reduction on the above MSQ scales. Both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses will be conducted; four or more treatments are considered adequate adherence.

Results

In the ACOM study, the authors will explore the potential benefits of acupuncture on moderate-to-severe meno-pausal symptoms.

Conclusion

In the ACOM study, we explore the potential benefits of acupuncture on moderate-to-severe menopausal symptoms. The cross-over design offers the possibility of examining the legacy effect of acupuncture. Funding: The Idella Foundation, the University of Copenhagen and the Research Foundation of General Practice. Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials NCT02746497.

References

 Lund KS1, Brodersen J, Siersma V, Waldorff FB. The efficacy of acupuncture on menopausal symptoms (ACOM study): protocol for a randomised study. Dan Med J.;64(3). pii: A5344. Mar 2017.

ICAN 2024 Skyscraper

Scientific and Medical Network 2

Cycle Around the World for Charity 2023

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro Charity 2023

top of the page