The Effect of Acupressure on Menopausal Symptoms: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Study

ABSTRACT Background: With the increase in women’s life expectancy at birth, the time spent in menopause has also increased. This has led to longer exposure to menopausal symptoms. This study aims to determine the effect of acupressure on menopausal symptoms. The study has a prospective, randomized, sham-controlled, and single-blind design. Materials and Methods: The research was conducted with 81 women (acupressure n = 40, sham acupressure n = 41) attending the “Menopause School” in a public hospital at in Turkey between July 5, 2022 and August 2, 2022. Both groups received acupressure application thrice a week for 4 weeks, 12 sessions in total. The data were obtained using a personal information form and a Menopause Rating Scale. Results: Acupressure application was determined to reduce the somatic and urogenital complaints of women (P < 0.001), whereas it did not make any difference in their psychological complaints (P = 0.281). In the sham acupressure group, on the other hand, the sham acupressure was determined not to make a significant statistical difference in the mean menopausal complaints score (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Acupressure application is effective in reducing the somatic and urogenital complaints experienced by menopausal women.