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A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial of Electroacupuncture for Perimenopause Women with Mild-Moderate
Sheng Li1,2, Zhao-Feng Li1, Qian Wu1,3
1Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
Biomed Research International
|July 14, 2018
Summary
Electroacupuncture (EA) therapy effectively treats perimenopausal depression symptoms and improves quality of life, comparable to escitalopram. This safe treatment offers a new option for women experiencing mild to moderate depressive symptoms during perimenopause.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Perimenopausal depression affects up to 62% of women.
- Current treatments lack proven efficacy for this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) therapy versus escitalopram for perimenopausal women with mild to moderate depressive symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter, randomized, positive-controlled trial involved 242 perimenopausal women.
- Participants received either 36 sessions of EA treatment or escitalopram.
- Primary outcome: Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17); Secondary outcomes: Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) and serum sexual hormones.
Main Results:
- 221 participants completed the study.
- No significant differences were observed between EA and escitalopram during the intervention period.
- In follow-up, both HAMD-17 and MENQOL scores significantly decreased, with no significant changes in serum hormone levels. No serious adverse events were reported.
Conclusions:
- Electroacupuncture (EA) therapy demonstrates effectiveness and safety in alleviating depression and enhancing quality of life for women with perimenopausal depression.
- Further research is warranted to investigate the long-term efficacy and underlying mechanisms of EA therapy.
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