Clinical Study on Electroacupuncture in Mitigating the Symptoms Related to Menopausal Transition / 上海针灸杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe and compare the regulating effect between electroacupuncture and sham electroacupuncture on the symptoms of menopausal transition and levels of estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), for evaluating the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture in mitigating the relevant symptoms of menopausal transition. Method Thirty eligible subjects with menopausal transition were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 15 cases in each group. The treatment group was intervened by electroacupuncture at the ordinary acupoints, while the control group was by electroacupuncture at non-meridian points. The E2, FSH, and LH contents were detected after intervention and at the 20th week during the follow-up study, the flush score and Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) were evaluated respectively after 4-week and 8-week treatment and at the 20th week and 32nd week during the follow-up study, and the safety of electroacupuncture was also estimated.Result The flush and MRS scores were significantly changed after 4-week and 8-week treatment and at the 20th week and 32nd week during the follow-up study in both groups compared to that before the treatment in the same group (P<0.01,P<0.05). There was a significant difference in comparing the changes of MRS score after 8-week treatment between the two groups (P<0.01). There were significant differences in comparing the changes of flushing scores between the two groups after 8-week treatment and at the 20th week and 32nd week during the follow-up study (P<0.01). The serum levels of E2, FSH, and LH were significantly changed in the treatment group after 8-week treatment (P<0.05). There were significant differences in comparing the changes of FSH and LH levels between the two groups after 8-week treatment (P<0.05). The difference in comparing the change of serum E2 level between the two groups at the 20th week during the follow-up study was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion Electroacupuncture can improve the flushing intensity and produce a benign regulation on the relevant hormone levels in menopausal transition, though this regulation is insignificant when the treatment terminates.