PMS and Menstrual Pain: How Acupuncture Can Help

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and painful periods affect up to 80% of women at some point. Acupuncture at AlterPhysio Amsterdam offers significant, natural relief.

Hormonal fluctuations, prostaglandin levels, and nervous system reactivity all contribute. In addition, stress and poor sleep significantly worsen PMS symptoms.

Symptoms We Treat

Physical PMS Symptoms

In addition, Common physical symptoms include cramps, bloating, breast tenderness, and headaches. Lower back pain and pelvic heaviness are also frequently reported.

Moreover, fatigue and difficulty sleeping in the days before menstruation are typical. These symptoms often begin up to two weeks before the period starts.

Emotional and Mental Symptoms

Mood changes, irritability, anxiety, and low mood characterise emotional PMS. These symptoms are driven by shifts in oestrogen and progesterone levels.

Furthermore, acupuncture regulates the hormonal axis and nervous system simultaneously. This addresses both physical and emotional PMS symptoms together.

Dysmenorrhoea (Painful Periods)

Dysmenorrhoea involves painful cramping during menstruation, sometimes severe. It can be primary (no underlying cause) or secondary to conditions like endometriosis.

Additionally, physiotherapy and acupuncture provide measurable relief for menstrual cramps. Research consistently supports acupuncture as an effective treatment for dysmenorrhoea.

How Acupuncture Regulates the Menstrual Cycle

Balancing Hormones

Furthermore, Acupuncture influences the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis that regulates hormones. Regular treatment can reduce oestrogen dominance and smooth hormonal fluctuations.

Therefore, the severity of PMS symptoms decreases over a treatment course. Most patients notice improvement after three to four menstrual cycles.

Improving Uterine Blood Flow

Acupuncture improves circulation to the uterus, reducing cramping caused by restricted blood flow. This is one of the key mechanisms behind its effectiveness for dysmenorrhoea.

Notably, combining acupuncture with physiotherapy for pelvic floor tension further reduces pain. We take a whole-body approach to menstrual health.

Book Your Appointment at AlterPhysio Amsterdam

You do not have to accept PMS and period pain as inevitable. Our acupuncture specialists in Amsterdam are here to help you feel better every month.

Book an Appointment

Written by Hidekazu Kuwabara, Registered Physiotherapist (BIG-registered, Amsterdam)

Hidekazu has over 10 years of clinical experience in physiotherapy and acupuncture. He specialises in musculoskeletal pain, sports injuries, and integrative East-West medicine at Alter Physio & Acupuncture, Amsterdam.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health or treatment.

Written by Hidekazu Kuwabara, Registered Physiotherapist (BIG-registered, Amsterdam)

Alter Physio & Acupuncture

#37 Acupuncture for PMS and Menstrual Pain Amsterdam