Key Finding
This is a protocol for a systematic review that will examine whether different types of sham acupuncture controls (invasive versus non-invasive) affect the reported efficacy of acupuncture treatment for perimenopausal symptoms.
This is a research protocol, not a completed study, outlining plans for a systematic review examining whether acupuncture helps with perimenopause symptoms. Perimenopause is the transitional period before menopause when women often experience hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and other disruptive symptoms that affect daily life, work, and overall wellbeing. The researchers plan to search eight major medical databases for randomized controlled trials comparing acupuncture treatments to sham (fake) acupuncture or other control groups. They will examine various acupuncture types including traditional needle acupuncture, moxibustion (heat therapy), ear acupuncture, laser acupuncture, and acupressure. The study will specifically analyze how different types of control groups—especially invasive versus non-invasive sham acupuncture—affect research outcomes, as previous studies have shown inconsistent results. Primary measures will include the frequency and severity of hot flashes, overall symptom scores, treatment effectiveness, and safety concerns. This protocol represents an important step toward understanding whether acupuncture genuinely helps perimenopause symptoms or if benefits seen in studies might be due to placebo effects. Once completed, this analysis should help women and healthcare providers make more informed decisions about using acupuncture for perimenopause management. The actual results have not yet been published. Women considering acupuncture for perimenopause symptoms should consult with a licensed acupuncturist who has experience treating hormonal transitions.
This systematic review protocol outlines methodology for examining acupuncture efficacy and safety for perimenopausal symptoms compared with various sham acupuncture controls. The researchers will search eight databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CBM, CNKI, WAN FANG, VIP) for RCTs examining different acupuncture modalities (traditional hand acupuncture, moxibustion, auricular acupuncture, laser, acupressure). Primary outcomes include 24-hour flush frequency, hot flash frequency and severity, menopause-related symptom scores, treatment efficacy, and adverse events. A critical focus involves subgroup analysis comparing invasive versus non-invasive sham controls, addressing the heterogeneity in previous trial designs. Analysis will utilize STATA 13.0 and Review Manager 5.3 with independent dual reviewer assessment. This protocol follows PRISMA-P guidelines and is registered with OSF (DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/VZCKU). The completed review aims to clarify which acupuncture interventions demonstrate genuine therapeutic effects beyond placebo and inform optimal control group design for future perimenopausal acupuncture trials.
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