Wang H, Yu X, Hu J, Chen J, Mei Y, Chen Y. Electroacupuncture for hot flashes in early postmenopause: A study protocol for a randomized sham-controlled trial.
Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2023;
36:101234. [PMID:
38047141 PMCID:
PMC10689878 DOI:
10.1016/j.conctc.2023.101234]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction
Many early postmenopausal women experience hot flashes (HFs). Electroacupuncture (EA) is a safe and effective therapy for menopause-related symptoms. However, there are few rigorous clinical trials on this topic. This randomized controlled trial is designed to explore the feasibility and efficacy of EA in the treatment of early postmenopausal HF.
Methods
This study is a randomized, controlled trial involving 72 early postmenopausal patients. Patients will be randomized 1:1 to the EA or sham acupuncture (SA) group. The acupuncture points that will be used are Hegu (LI4), Fuliu (KI7), Taixi (KI3), Shenshu (BL23), Guanyuan (CV4), and Sanyinjiao (SP6). Participants in each group will receive 18 acupuncture sessions over 6 weeks (three times per week). The primary outcome is the hot-flash score at the end of the 6 week of intervention. Secondary outcome measures are the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Menopause-Specific Quality of Life, Menopause Rating Scale, Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Score Scale, and estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and anti-Mullerian hormone levels. Safety will be assessed at every visit.
Conclusion
This prospective trial will evaluate the efficacy of EA in the treatment of HFs among early postmenopausal women. Our results will provide additional knowledge for clinicians in the treatment of HFs.
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