Efficacy and Safety of Auricular Acupressure for Premenstrual Syndrome Among Female University Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) occurs before menstruation and impairs quality of life. This study assessed the efficacy and safety of auricular acupressure in reducing PMS symptoms.Methods: A randomized, single-blind, sham-controlled trial was conducted in university students. The intervention group received auricular acupressure (AA; n = 33), and the control group received sham auricular acupressure (SA; n = 33). Both groups received 8 weekly placements or replacements of their assigned auricular patches over 8 weeks, with identical lifestyle modifications. PMS symptoms were assessed using the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool, and quality of life was measured with the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief at baseline, 1 week, and 8 weeks. Adverse events were monitored.Results: Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool scores in the AA group decreased by 10.73 ± 6.96 points at Week 1 and 16.49 ± 6.50 points at Week 8. Reductions were greater than in the SA group at Week 1 (MD 9.82, 95% CI 7.10-12.54) and Week 8 (MD 17.15, 95% CI 14.53-19.77; both p < 0.001). At Week 8, World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief score changes favored AA across 4 domains (MD range 5.02-18.99; all p < 0.05). Four participants reported mild, self-limited adverse events.Conclusion: AA combined with lifestyle modifications was associated with greater short-term improvements in self-reported PMS symptoms and quality of life than SA in university students. Larger trials with a tactilely credible sham, objective adherence assessment, cycle-synchronized outcome assessments, and longer follow-up are needed.