Self-acupressure to reduce period pain and premenstrual symptoms
Effects of Self-Acupressure on Primary Dysmenorrhea and Premenstrual Symptoms in Women Aged 18-30: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled, 6-Month Trial
This trial will test whether a self-acupressure routine can reduce period pain and premenstrual symptoms in university students aged 18–30 with primary dysmenorrhea.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Nigde Omer Halisdemir University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Niğde, Merkez) |
| Trial ID | NCT07409337 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a randomized, parallel-group, sham-controlled trial comparing a self-administered acupressure protocol applied to predefined points (SP6, CV4, ST36, LV3) with a matched sham acupressure applied to non-acupoint locations. Participants are university students aged 18–30 with regular cycles who will perform daily acupressure during the premenstrual phase and early menstruation across about five to six cycles. Primary outcome is change in menstrual pain severity, with secondary outcomes including premenstrual symptom scores, analgesic use, and menstruation-related activity limitation. Interventions are matched for training, session duration, frequency, and pressure intensity to isolate the specific effects of acupoint stimulation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are female university students aged 18–30 with regular 21–35 day cycles, moderate to severe primary dysmenorrhea and PMS, not using hormonal contraception, and willing to perform self-acupressure for about six cycles.
Not a fit: Patients with secondary causes of menstrual pain (for example endometriosis or fibroids), current or recent hormonal therapy, pregnancy/breastfeeding, chronic systemic illnesses, or prior formal acupuncture/acupressure training are unlikely to benefit from this protocol or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, this low-cost, self-administered method could reduce menstrual pain and premenstrual symptoms without medication.
How similar studies have performed: Previous small randomized studies of acupuncture and acupressure for dysmenorrhea have shown mixed but often promising results, so the approach has prior supportive but not definitive evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Female participants aged 18 to 30 years * Regular menstrual cycles (21-35 days) * Diagnosis of primary dysmenorrhea with moderate to severe menstrual pain * Presence of premenstrual symptoms consistent with premenstrual syndrome * Currently enrolled as a university student * Willingness to perform self-acupressure as instructed for approximately six menstrual cycles * Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Secondary dysmenorrhea (e.g., endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease) * Current use of hormonal contraceptives or hormonal therapy within the past 3 months * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Chronic gynecological, endocrine, or systemic disease that may affect menstrual pain or symptoms * Regular use of analgesic or anti-inflammatory medications outside menstruation * Prior formal training or regular practice of acupuncture or acupressure * Inability to comply with study procedures or follow-up schedule
Where this trial is running
Niğde, Merkez
- Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University Hospital — Niğde, Merkez, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Pınar Erdoğan, Assoc. Prof.
- Email: drpinarerdogan@gmail.com
- Phone: +905233646954
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.