Acupuncture/ pressure, Menopause, Prof. Ernst

Acupuncture and menopausal hot flushes

Prof. Ernst and colleagues have reviewed the literature.

First, the details.

  • 6 studies were included in the review.

And, the results.
4 studies

  • Acupuncture vs penetrating sham acupuncture on non-acupuncture points
    • No specific effects on menopausal hot flush frequency, severity, or index.

1 study

  • Acupuncture vs penetrating sham acupuncture on acupuncture points not relevant for treating flushes
    • No effect on hot flush frequency and severity.

1 study

  • Acupuncture vs non-penetrating acupuncture on non-acupuncture points
    • Results suggested favorable effects of acupuncture on menopausal hot flush severity.
    • This study was too small to generate reliable findings.

The bottom line?
Sham-controlled studies of acupuncture do not support this option to manage menopausal hot flushes.

Earlier, largely negative summaries are here.

1/1/09 19:30 JR