Acupuncture for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Including feelings of Irritability, Sadness, and Anxiety

Woman

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be an effective tool in decreasing or preventing Premenstrual Syndrome, or PMS. This condition and its symptoms most often occur in the menstrual cycle during the two weeks before a period.

Symptoms of PMS range from mild to severe, with some patients experiencing PMDD, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (a severe form of PMS).

Acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and other Chinese medicine therapies can be used as both primary and adjunctive treatment of this common syndrome.

Behavioral symptoms of PMS include: 

  • Mood shifts
  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Feelings of sadness
  • Insomnia

Physical symptoms include: 

  • Acne
  • Fatigue
  • Changes in digestion (including loose stool or constipation, gas, and bloating)
  • Changes in appetite
  • Nausea
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Breast tenderness
  • Increased musculoskeletal pain (like neck tension or back pain)
  • Cramping in the lower abdomen or back.

Regularity of treatment will be based on severity of symptoms. Patients with more severe manifestations of PMS or PMDD may need acupuncture treatments regularly throughout their menstrual cycle, while those experiencing more mild symptoms may be helped with visits just before their period starts.