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.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 30 Years
Sex
FEMALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* 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 Criteria:
* 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
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Change in menstrual pain severity
Timeframe: Baseline and end of 6 months (approximately 5-6 menstrual cycles)