Self-Acupressure for Primary Dysmenorrhea 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
Nigde Omer Halisdemir University
120 participants
Feb 15, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This randomized, sham-controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of self-administered acupressure on menstrual pain severity and premenstrual symptoms in women aged 18-30 years with primary dysmenorrhea. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a self-acupressure intervention group or a sham self-acupressure control group. The intervention will be applied during the premenstrual and menstrual periods over approximately six months. The primary outcome is the change in menstrual pain severity, and secondary outcomes include changes in premenstrual symptom severity, analgesic use, and menstruation-related activity limitation.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria7
- 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 Criteria7
- 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
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Interventions
Participants receive structured training in self-administered acupressure at predefined acupoints (SP6, CV4, ST36, and LV3). Training is provided face-to-face at baseline. Participants are instructed to apply acupressure using moderate, comfortable, non-painful pressure during the premenstrual phase and the first days of menstruation across approximately six consecutive menstrual cycles.
Participants receive structured training in sham self-acupressure matched to the experimental intervention in terms of training format, session duration, frequency, and pressure intensity. Sham acupressure is applied at non-acupoint locations adjacent to the same anatomical regions as the experimental points, using moderate, comfortable, non-painful pressure during the premenstrual phase and the first days of menstruation across approximately six menstrual cycles.
Locations(1)
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NCT07409337