Acupressure as a Non-Pharmacological Intervention for Primary Dysmenorrhea

Abstract

Primary dysmenorrhea is one of the most common gynecological conditions affecting adolescent girls and young women. It is characterized by painful menstrual cramps occurring in the absence of identifiable pelvic pathology. The condition can significantly interfere with daily activities, academic performance, work productivity, and quality of life. Although pharmacological treatments such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and oral contraceptives are widely used, concerns regarding side effects and long-term medication use have increased interest in non-pharmacological approaches such as acupressure.  The reviewed studies indicate that acupressure can significantly reduce the intensity and duration of menstrual pain among women with primary dysmenorrhea. Participants receiving acupressure reported improvements in pain relief, reduced use of analgesic medications, and enhanced ability to perform daily activities. Several studies also demonstrated positive effects on associated symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, headache, and emotional discomfort. Acupressure was generally found to be safe, inexpensive, easy to administer, and associated with minimal adverse effects. Evidence suggests that acupressure is an effective and safe non-pharmacological intervention for managing primary dysmenorrhea. Its ability to alleviate menstrual pain and improve overall well-being makes it a valuable complementary therapy for women seeking alternatives to medication-based treatments. However, further high-quality randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes and standardized intervention protocols are required to strengthen the evidence base and support clinical recommendations.