Acupuncture for premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2009 Dec;280(6):877-81. doi: 10.1007/s00404-009-1034-z. Epub 2009 Mar 27.

Abstract

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe type of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), is characterized mainly by psychological symptoms confined to the premenstrual period, which reduce not only patients' quality of life, but also their working activities. Although various therapies have been employed for PMDD, some patients do not respond to them. We recently employed acupuncture treatment for a patient in PMDD. Symptoms ameliorated during the acupuncture (+) period, but deteriorated during the acupuncture (-) period. This review describes the clinical course of this case. The diagnosis and treatment of PMDD are briefly summarized and previous acupuncture treatment for PMS are reviewed. The difficulties in evaluating the effectiveness of acupuncture for PMS/PMDD are addressed. It is suggested that acupuncture may be a treatment option for PMDD.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acupuncture Therapy / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Premenstrual Syndrome / therapy*
  • Quality of Life
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult