Acupuncture for menopausal vasomotor symptoms: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Area of Science:

• Integrative Medicine
• Women's Health
• Traditional Chinese Medicine

Background:

• Menopausal vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes, night sweats) significantly impact quality of life.
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has risks, and non-hormonal options are less effective.
• Acupuncture is a commonly used complementary therapy with a low risk of adverse effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of needle acupuncture in reducing the severity and frequency of hot flushes in menopausal women.
• To evaluate acupuncture's impact on quality of life, anxiety, and depression.
• To compare true acupuncture with sham acupuncture in a randomized controlled trial.

Main Methods:

• A stratified, parallel, randomized sham-controlled trial with 360 participants.
• Participants received either true needle acupuncture or sham acupuncture (non-insertive needles) over eight weeks.
• The primary outcome was hot flush score, with secondary outcomes including quality of life and mood.

Main Results:

• Results are pending but will be analyzed using an intention-to-treat strategy.
• The study aims to provide significant evidence on acupuncture's role in managing vasomotor symptoms.
• Data will inform the safety and efficacy of acupuncture as a treatment option.

Conclusions:

• This trial will significantly contribute to the evidence base for acupuncture in treating menopausal vasomotor symptoms.
• If effective and safe, acupuncture could become a valuable treatment option for women experiencing these symptoms.
• The findings will support informed clinical decisions regarding complementary therapies for menopause.