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. 2021 Oct 12;13:1823–1863. doi: 10.2147/NSS.S332474

Table 2.

Summary of Clinical Trials Investigating the Effects and Safety of Acupuncture on PMI and PMD

Author/Year Study Groups/No. of Participants Disease (Diagnostic System) TCM Syndrome Pattern Acupuncture Interventions Acupoints Controls Outcome Measures Results (Compared with the Control Group) at Post-Treatment Follow-Up Adverse Events
Fu et al 201751 - MA/n=37
- placebo-MA/n=37
PMI (ICSD-3) NR 20 min/day for 10 sessions BL18, BL23, GB25, LR14 Streitberger placebo-needle control PSQI, ISI, PSG (SOL, TST, WASO, SE, Arl, N1%, N2%, N3%, REM%) (i) Lower PSQI and ISI in MA group
(ii) Shorter SOL and WASO, longer TST, higher SE, lower Arl, lower N1%, and higher REM% in MA group; no differences in N2% and N3% between two groups
No follow-up - MA/n=0
- placebo-MA/n=4 (worsening of insomnia)
Wang 201552 - EA/n=30
- placebo-EA/n=30
PMI (ICSD-3) NR 30 min/day, 3 days/week for 8 weeks BL15, BL18, BL23, CV3, CV4, CV6, CV12, EX-HN3, GV3, GV4, GV14, GV20, HT7, KI3, LR3, PC6, SP6, ST36 Streitberger placebo-needle control PSQI, MRS, Men-QoL No differences in PSQI, MRS and MEN-QoL between two groups (1) No difference in PSQI and Men-QoL between two groups at 4-week follow-up
(2) Lower MRS in EA group at 4-week follow-up
No adverse events
Lin et al 201753 - MA/n=33
- waitlist-control/n=32
PMI (CCMD-3, CDTE-TCM) NR 30 min/day, 3 days/week for 4 weeks CV4, CV6, CV12, EX-HN3, GV20, GV24, HT7, PC6, SP6, ST36 Waitlist PSQI, KI Lower PSQI and KI in MA group No follow-up NR
Li et al 2020a54 - EA/n=42
- placebo-EA/n=42
PMI (ICSD-3) Kidney Yin/Yang deficiency − 30 min/day for 18 days (3 days/week for 4 weeks + 2 day/week for 2 weeks + 1 day/week for 2 weeks)
- continuous wave, 2.5 Hz, 4–5 mA
BL23, CV4, CV6, EX, EX-HN3, GV4, GV20, GV24, HT7, KI3, KI7, SP6 Streitberger placebo-needle control PSQI, MEN-QoL, Actigraphy (TST, WASO, SE, ATs, AA), ISI, SAS, SDS (i) Lower PSQI, ISI, MEN-QoL, SAS in EA group; no differences in SDS between two groups
(ii) Longer TST, higher SE, and less AA in EA group; no differences in ATs and WASO between two groups
Lower PSQI and Men-QoL in EA group at 4- and 12- week follow-ups - EA/n=2 [mild bleeding (1); mild pain (1)]
- placebo-EA/n=1 (mild pain)
Wang et al 201555 - MA/n=33
- sham-MA/n=33
PMD (CCMD-3) NR 30 min/day, 3 days/week for 8 weeks KI6, LU7, PC6, SP4 Sham-MA [shallow puncture (2.5–5 mm), no De-qi, no retention of the needle] SDS, Men-QoL Lower SDS and Men-QoL in MA group (i) Lower SDS in MA group at 4-week follow-up
(ii) no difference in Men-QoL between two groups
NR
Li 2015a56 - EA/n=30
- sham-EA/n=30
- Escitalopram/n=30
PMD (ICD-10) NR − 30 min/day, 3 days/week for 12 weeks
- dense-sparse wave, 10/50 Hz, 0.5–1 mA
CV4, EX-CA1, EX-HN3, GV20, LI4, LR3, SP6, ST25 (i) Sham-MA [shallow puncture (3 mm), no De-qi, no current output]
(ii) Escitalopram 10 mg/day for 12 weeks
HAMD, Men-QoL, FSH, E2, LH (i) Lower HAMD and Men-QoL in EA group, compared with sham-EA; no differences in HAMD and Men-QoL between EA and escitalopram groups
(ii) No differences in FSH, LH and E2 levels between two groups (vs sham-EA or vs escitalopram)
(i) Lower HAMD in EA group in 4-week and 12-week follow-ups (vs sham-EA); no difference in HAMD between EA and escitalopram groups in 4-week and 12-week follow-ups
(ii) Lower Men-QoL in EA in 4-week follow-up (vs sham-EA or vs escitalopram); Men-QoL from low to high (EA < escitalopram < sham-EA) at 8-week and 12-week follow-ups
- EA/n=2 (hematoma)
- sham-EA/n=0
- Escitalopram/n=25 [fatigue (17); headache (2); sleep disturbance (7); dizziness (7); palpitation (4); sweating (10); dry mouth (14); constipation (8)]
Ma 201797 - EA/n=37
- Progynova + Medroxyprogesterone acetate/n=36
PMI (CCMD-2-R) NR − 30 min/day, 3 days/week for 12 weeks
- sparse-dense wave, 2/15 Hz
CV4, EX-CA1, EX-HN3, HT7, SP6, ST25 A total of 3 treatment cycles. Each treatment cycle includes Progynova 1mg daily for 21 consecutive days (with Medroxyprogesterone acetate 10mg daily added from day 14 to day 21) and then stop medication for 7 days PSQI, KI, Men-QoL, FSH, E2 (i) Lower PSQI in EA group; no differences in KI and Men-QoL between two groups
(ii) No differences in FSH level between two groups; higher E2 level in EA group
(i) Lower PSQI in EA group at 12-week follow-up
(ii) No differences in KI MENQOL, and FSH and E2 levels between two groups
- EA/n=3 [hematoma (2); mild dizziness (1)]
- Progynova + Medroxyprogesterone acetate/n=4 [breast tenderness (2); mild headache (1); colporrhagia (1)]
Chen et al 201357 - EA/n=38
- Alprazolam/n=32
PMI (DSM-IV) NR − 30 min/day for 20 days (7 days off every 10 days)
- continuous wave, 0.7 Hz
EX, GV20, HT7, KI3, KI7, KI10, LR3, PC6, SP6, SP9, SP10 Alprazolam 0.4 mg/day for 20 days AIS Lower AIS in EA group No follow-up - EA/n=0
- Estazolam/n=8 (development of drug dependence after treatment)
Luo 202058 - MA/n=30
- Estazolam/n=30
PMI (CCMD-3, CDTE-TCM) Incoordination between heart and kidney 30 min/day, 5 days/week for 12 weeks BL15, BL23, BL62, EX, EX-HN1, GV20, KI3, KI6, PC6, SP6 Estazolam 1 mg/day, 3 days/week for 12 weeks PSQI No differences in PSQI between two groups No follow-up - MA/n=0
- Estazolam/n=5 [dizziness (2); nausea and vomiting (2); skin rashes (1)]
Du et al 201759 - EA/n=41
- Estazolam/n=41
PMI (CCMD-3) NR − 30 min/day, 6 days/week for 4 weeks
- continuous wave, >50 Hz
PC6, SP6, Sishenzhen (1.5 Cun apart from GV20), Dingshenzhen (0.5 Cun up to EX-HN3, and 0.5 Cun up to GB14) Estazolam 1 mg/day, 7 days/week for 4 weeks PSQI, KI, WHOQOL-BREF, FSH, E2 (i) Lower PSQI and KI, and higher WHOQOL-BREF in EA group
(ii) Higher E2 levels, and lower FSH levels in EA group
No follow-up - EA/n=6 (mild tension before EA)
- Estazolam/n=26 [dizziness (26); daytime sleepiness (26)]
Kang 201560 - MA/n=31
- Estazolam/n=33
PMI (CCMD-3) Heart and Gallbladder Qi deficiency 40 min/day, 6 days/week for 4 weeks EX, EX-HN1, GB13, GB15, GV16, GV20, GV24, scalp acupoint (1 Cun up to GB15) Estazolam 1 mg/day, 7 days/week for 4 weeks PSQI, KI Lower PSQI and KI in MA group No follow-up - MA/n=0
- Estazolam/n=1 (mild nausea)
Lai 201661 - MA/n=34
- Eszopiclone/n=33
PMI (CCMD-3) Incoordination between heart and kidney 30 min/day, 6 days/week for 3 weeks (acupuncture on specific time) BL62, KI6, LU7, SI3 Eszopiclone 3 mg/day, 7 days/week for 3 weeks PSQI, KI (i) Lower KI in MA group; no differences in PSQI between two groups No follow-up - MA/n=2 (hematoma)
- Eszopiclone/n=3 [dizziness (1); dry mouth (2)]
Li 201462 - MA/n=120
- Estazolam/n=120
PMI (CCMD-3) NR 30 min/day for 30 days SP6, SP8, Shenguan (Tianhuangfuxue) Estazolam 2 mg/day for 30 days PSQI Lower PSQI in MA group No follow-up NR
Li et al 2018a63 - MA/n=60
- Alprazolam/n=62
PMI (CDTE-TCM) NR 30–40 min/day, 5 days/week for 9 weeks BL13, BL15, BL17, BL18, BL20, BL23, HT7 Alprazolam 0.4–0.8 mg/day, 7 days/week for 9 weeks PSQI, FSH, E2, LH (i) Lower PSQI in MA group
(ii) Higher E2 levels, and lower FSH and LH levels in MA group
Follow-up 30 days; NR for valid data NR
Lu et al 201449 - MA/n=52
- Estazolam/n=52
PMI (CCMD-3, ICD-10) NR 30 min/day for 30 days CV12, EX-HN1, GB20, GV20, HT7, LR3, LR14, SP6, SP15 Estazolam 1 mg/day for 30 days PSQI Lower PSQI in MA group No follow-up NR
Ma 201464 - EA/n=45
- Estazolam/n=45
PMI (CCMD-2) Any TCM syndrome pattern according to CDTE-TCM − 30 min/day, 3 days/week for 4 weeks
- continuous wave, >50 Hz
PC6, SP6, Sishenzhen (1.5 Cun apart from GV20), Dingshenzhen (0.5 Cun up to EX-HN3, and 0.5 Cun up to GB14) Estazolam 1 mg/day, 7 days/week for 4 weeks PSQI, HAMD Lower PSQI and HAMD in EA group No follow-up No adverse events
Qin 201865 - MA/n=34
- Estazolam/n=33
PMI (CCMD-3, ICD-10) Deficiency of kidney and hyperactivity of liver 30 min/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks BL17, BL18, BL23, EX, EX-HN1, GV20, KI3, LR3 Estazolam 1–2 mg/day, 7 days/week for 4 weeks PSQI, HAMA MSMSMS (REM%) (i) Lower PSQI in MA group
(ii) Higher REM% in MA group
No follow-up - MA/n=3 (hematoma)
- Estazolam/n=7 [dizziness (2); daytime sleepiness (2); fatigue (3)]
Yang et al 201766 - MA/n=81
- Estazolam/n=81
PMI (CCMD-2) Liver and kidney Yin deficiency 30 min/day, 15 days/month (one treatment every other day) for 3 months CV12, HT7, KI3, PC6, ST36, ST40, four scalp acupoints (middle 1/3 of frontal apical band, posterior 1/3 of frontal apical band, anterior 1/3 of skull base band, middle 1/3 of skull base band) Estazolam 1 mg/day, 10 days/month for 3 months PSQI, FSH, E2, LH (i) Lower PSQI in MA group
(ii) Higher FSH levels, and lower E2 and LH levels in MA group
No follow-up NR
Zhang et al 201767 - MA/n=31
- Estazolam/n=30
PMI (DTICA, CDTE-TCM) Six syndrome patterns with liver as the core 30 min/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks BL17, BL18, EX, EX-HN1, GV20, LR3 Estazolam 1 mg/day, 7 days/week for 4 weeks PSQI, KI, HAMA, HAMD Lower PSQI, KI, HAMA and HAMD in MA group No follow-up - MA/n=1 (hematoma)
- Estazolam/n=4 [dizziness (2); fatigue and daytime sleepiness (2); memory loss (2)]
Yan et al 202168 - MA/n=42
- Estazolam/n=43
PMI (CCMD-3) NR 30 min/day, 7 days/week for 12 weeks CV4, CV6, GV20, GV24, HT7, SP6 Estazolam 1 mg/day, 7 days/week for 12 weeks PSQI, Men-QoL Lower PSQI and Men-QoL in MA group No follow-up - MA/n=4 [dizziness (3); hematoma (1)]
- Estazolam/n=3 [dizziness (1); fatigue and daytime sleepiness (2)]
Li et al 2018b69 - EA/n=116
- Escitalopram/n=105
PMD (DSM-V, ICD-10) NR − 30 min/day, 3 days/week for 12 weeks
- dilatational wave, 50 Hz, 0.5–1 mA
CV4, EX-CA1, EX-HN3, GV20, LI4, LR3, SP6, ST25 Escitalopram 10mg/day for 12 weeks HAMD, Men-QoL, FSH, E2, LH (i) No differences in HAMD and Men-QoL between two groups
(ii) No differences in FSH, E2 and LH levels between two groups
(i) Lower HAMD in EA group at 4-and 12-week follow-ups
(ii) Lower Men-QoL in EA group in 4-, 8-and 12-week follow-ups
- EA/n=14 (hematoma)
- Escitalopram/n=18 (dizziness, palpitation, stomachache)
Chi et al 201170 - MA/n=30
- Fluoxetine/n=30
PMD (CCMD-3) NR 30 min/day for 4 weeks EX-HN1, EX-HN3, GV20, KI3, LR3, LR14, SP6, ST36 Fluoxetine 20 mg/day for 4 weeks HAMD Lower HAMD in MA group No follow-up - MA/n=0
- Fluoxetine/n=3 [dizziness (1); nausea (2)]
Deng 200871 - MA/n=29
- Deanxit/n=29
PMD (ICD-10) NR 20–30 min/day, after 3 consecutive days of treatment, once treatment every 3 days for total 4 weeks CV3, CV4, CV6, CV10, CV12, KI17, Qipang (0.5 Cun beside CV6), Xiafengshidian (1 Cun below and beside ST26) Deanxit 20mg/day for 4 weeks HAMD, KI, 5-HT (i) No differences in HAMD and KI between two groups
(ii) No differences in 5-HT levels between two groups
(i) Lower HAMD in MA at 2-week follow-up
(ii) No difference in HAMD between two groups at 4-week follow-up
(iii) No difference in KI between two groups at 2-and 4-week follow-ups
- MA/n=3 [changes of character of stool (2); palpitation (1)]
- Deanxit/n=32 [changes of character of stool (6); dry mouth and halitosis (9); dysphoria (6); dreaminess (6); breast distending pain (5)]
Dong 201585 - MA/n=30
- Nilestriol + Fluoxetine/n=30
PMD (CCMD-3, CDTE-TCM) NR 30 min/day for 30 days BL13, BL15, BL17, BL18, BL20, BL21, BL23 Nilestriol 2mg/15days for 30 days + Fluoxetine 20mg/day for 30 days HAMD Lower HAMD in MA group No follow-up NR
Li 2015b72 - MA/n=32
- Fluoxetine/n=32
PMD (CCMD-3) Liver stagnation and kidney deficiency 30 min/day, 6 days/week for 12 weeks BL15, BL18, BL23, EX-HN1, EX-HN3, GV20, GV24, PC6 Fluoxetine 20mg/day for 12 weeks HAMD, KI Lower HAMD and KI in MA group Follow-up for 12 weeks; no data of HAMD and KI global scores for follow-up - MA/n=0
- Fluoxetine/n=8 [nausea and vomiting (2); dry mouth (1); indigestion (1); diarrhea (1); dizziness (1); headache (1)]
Ma et al 200973 - MA/n=30
- Fluoxetine/n=30
PMD (CCMD-3, CDTE-TCM) NR 30 min/day, 5 days/week for 8 weeks EX-HN1, EX-HN3, GV20, HT7, PC6, PC7, SP6, ST36 Fluoxetine 20mg/day for 8 weeks HAMD No differences in HAMD between two groups No follow-up - MA/n=0
- Fluoxetine/n=6 [nausea (2); dizziness (2)]
Niu et al 201774 - MA/n=41
- Fluoxetine/n=41
PMD (CCMD-3) Stagnation of liver Qi 30 min/day, 5 days/week for 6 weeks BL13, BL15, BL17, BL18, BL20, BL23 Fluoxetine 20mg/day for 6 weeks HAMD Lower PSQI in MA No follow-up - MA/n=7 [dizziness (2); palpitation (1); dry mouth (1); nausea (3)]
- Fluoxetine/n=6 [dizziness (1); palpitation (2); dry mouth (2); nausea (1)]
Qian et al 200775 - MA/n=33
- Fluoxetine/n=30
PMD (CCMD-3) NR 25 min/day, 5 days/week for 6 weeks BL13, BL15, BL17, BL18, BL20, BL23 Fluoxetine 20mg/day for 6 weeks HAMD No differences in HAMD between two groups No follow-up - MA/n=2 [dizziness (1); palpitation (1)]
- Fluoxetine/n=9 [insomnia (1); akathisia (1); dry mouth (1); nausea (1); palpitation (1); skin symptom (1); excitation and agitation (2)]
Qiang 200876 - MA/n=30
- Fluoxetine/n=30
PMD (CCMD-3) NR 25 min/day, 5 days/week for 6 weeks BL15, BL18, BL23, EX-HN1, GB20 Fluoxetine 20mg/day for 6 weeks HAMD No differences in HAMD between two groups No follow-up NR
Shi et al 201877 - EA/n=30
- Escitalopram/n=30
PMD (DSM-V) NR − 30 min/day, 3 days/week for 12 weeks
- dense-sparse wave, 10/50Hz, 0.5–1.0mA
CV4, EX-CA1, EX-HN3, GV20, LI4, LR3, SP6, ST25 Escitalopram 10mg/day for 12 weeks HAMD Lower HAMD in EA group Lower HAMD in EA at 4- and 12- week follow-ups NR
Sun et al 201578 - EA/n=21
- Escitalopram/n=21
PMD (DSM-V) NR − 30 min/day, 3 days/week for 12 weeks
- dense-sparse wave, 10/50Hz, 0.5–1.0mA
CV4, EX-CA1, EX-HN3, GV20, LI4, LR3, SP6, ST25 Escitalopram 10mg/day for 12 weeks HAMD Lower HAMD in EA group No follow-up NR
Wang et al 201079 - MA/n=21
- Deanxit/n=21
PMD (CCMD-3) NR 30 min/day, after 3 consecutive days of treatment, once treatment every 3 days for total 4 weeks CV3, CV4, CV6, CV10, CV12, KI17 Deanxit 10 mg/day for 4 weeks HAMD No differences in HAMD between two groups Lower HAMD in MA at 2- and 4- week follow-ups - MA/n=3 [changes of character of stool (2); palpitation (1)]
- Deanxit/n=15 [dry mouth and halitosis (9); dysphoria, dreaminess, or breast distending pain (6)]
Zhang 201086 - EA/n=44
- Nilestriol+ Fluoxetine/n=46
PMD (CCMD-3) NR − 30 min/day, 5 days/week for 12 weeks
- dilatational wave, 8–9 mA, 6V
BL13, BL15, BL17, BL20, BL23, GV20, KI3, LR3, PC6, SP6 Nilestriol 2mg/14 days for 30 days + Fluoxetine 20mg/day for 12 weeks HAMD, KI, FSH, E2, LH (i) No differences in HAMD and KI between two groups
(ii) No differences in FSH, LH and E2 levels between two groups
No follow-up - EA/n=5 (sweating, dizziness, vomiting)
- Nilestriol+ Fluoxetine/n=23 [dry mouth and halitosis (5); nausea (6); dysphoria (2); constipation (6); dreaminess (2); breast distending pain (2)]
Zhang 201387 - MA/n=94
- Premarin + Provera + Fluoxetine/n=94
PMD (CCMD-3) NR 30 min/day, 7 days/week for 12 weeks EX-HN1, GB13, GV20, GV24, HT7 Premarin 0.625mg/day and Provera 6mg/day + Fluoxetine 20mg/day for 12 weeks HAMD, FSH, E2, LH (i) Lower HAMD in MA group
(ii) No differences in FSH, LH and E2 levels between two groups
No follow-up - MA/n=2 (feeling pain when inserting needle)
- Premarin + Provera + Fluoxetine/n=12 [dizziness (5); nausea and vomiting (4); hypersomnia (3)]
Zheng et al 201088 - MA/n=60
- Premarin + Provera + Fluoxetine/n=60
PMD (CCMD-3) NR 30 min/day, 7 days/week for 12 weeks
[needle retaining time for 8 hour in three acupoints (BL8, GV19, GV21) per session]
BL8, BL18, BL23, GV19, GV21, KI3, LR3, SP6 Premarin 0.625mg/day for 20 days + and Provera 6mg/day + Fluoxetine 20mg/day for 12 weeks HAMD, KI, FSH, E2, LH (i) No differences in HAMD and KI between two groups
(ii) No differences in FSH and LH levels between two groups; Lower E2 level in MA group
Lower HAMD and KI in MA at 24-week follow-up - MA/n=2 (feeling pain when inserting needle)
- Premarin + Provera + Fluoxetine/n=18 [loss of appetite (5); dizziness (4); diarrhea (3); breast distending pain (3); leukorrhagia (2); spasmus (1)]
Ding et al 200780 - MA/n=39
- Fluoxetine/n=39
PMD (CCMD-2-R) NR 30 min/day, 6 days/week for 4 weeks BL15, BL18, BL20, BL23, GV20, HT7, LR3, SP6 Fluoxetine 20mg/day for 4 weeks HAMD, KI No differences in HAMD between two groups; Lower KI in MA group No follow-up NR
Li et al 2020b81 - EA/n=30
- Fluoxetine/n=30
PMD (CDTE-TCM) NR − 25 min/day, 3 days/week for 6 weeks
- dilatational wave, 15 Hz, 1 mA
EX-HN1, EX-HN3, GV20, HT7, LI4, PC6, SP6, ST36 Fluoxetine 20mg/day for 6 weeks HAMD, HAMA No differences in HAMD between two groups; Lower HAMA in EA group No follow-up NR
Zhang 201582 - MA/n=29
- Deanxit/n=29
PMD (CCMD-3) NR 30 min/day, after 3 consecutive days of treatment, once treatment every 3 days for total 4 weeks CV3, CV4, CV6, CV10, CV12, KI17 Deanxit 20 mg/day for 4 weeks HAMD No differences in HAMD between two groups Lower HAMD in MA at 2- and 4- week follow-ups NR
Xing 201183 - MA/n=120
- Fluoxetine/n=120
PMD (CCMD-3) Stagnation of liver Qi, heart and spleen deficiency; liver depression and phlegm-heat 20 min/day, 7 days/week for 6 weeks GV26, PC5 Fluoxetine 20mg/day for 6 weeks HAMD No differences in HAMD between two groups No follow-up NR
Zhou et al 200784 - MA/n=30
- Fluoxetine/n=28
PMD (CCMD-3) Liver and kidney Yin deficiency, spleen and kidney Yang deficiency, stagnated Qi transforming into fire, stagnation of phlegm and Qi 30 min/day, 6 days/week for 6 weeks BL15, BL18, BL23, EX-HN1, GB13, GV24, SP6, ST36 Fluoxetine 20mg/day for 6 weeks HAMD, 5-HIAA, NE, DA (i) Lower HAMD in MA group
(ii) No differences in 5-HIAA and NE levels between two groups; Lower DA level in MA group
No follow-up NR
Gao et al 201489 - MA + Estazolam/n=32
- Estazolam/n=32
PMI (CCMD-3) NR 20 min/day, 6 days/week for 4 weeks EX-B2 Estazolam 2 mg/day for 4 weeks PSQI Lower PSQI in MA + Estazolam group No follow-up NR
Xu 202090 - MA + Alprazolam/n=50
- Alprazolam/n=50
PMI (CDTE-TCM) NR 30 min/day, 7 days/week for 9 weeks EX-HN1, GV24, HT7, KI3, LR3, PC6, SP6, ST36 Alprazolam 0.4–0.8 mg/day, 7 days/week for 9 weeks PSQI Lower PSQI in MA + Alprazolam group No follow-up NR
Ma 201691 - MA + Estazolam/n=35
- Estazolam/n=35
PMI (CCMD-3) NR 7 days/week for 4 weeks EX, HT7, KI3, KI7, KI10, LR3, SP6, SP10, ST36 Estazolam 2 mg/day, 7 days/week for 4 weeks PSQI, FSH, E2 (i) Lower PSQI in MA + Estazolam group
(ii) Higher E2 levels, and lower FSH levels in MA + Estazolam group
No follow-up NR
Zhu et al 201692 - MA + Estazolam/n=37
- Estazolam/n=37
PMI (CCMD-3) Heart and Spleen deficiency 20 min/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks CV12, EX, EX-HN1, GV20, GV24, HT7, KI3, LR3, SP9, ST25 Estazolam 1 mg/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks PSQI No differences in PSQI between two groups No follow-up NR
Ma et al 201195 - EA + Paroxetine/n=55
- Paroxetine/n=50
PMD (CCMD-3) NR − 45 min/day, 7 days/week for 6 weeks
- dilatational wave, 8–9 mA
EX-HN3, GV20, LI4, PC6, ST36 Paroxetine 10mg/day for 6 weeks HAMD No differences in HAMD between two groups No follow-up - EA + Paroxetine/n=2 [dizziness (1); nausea (1)]
- Paroxetine/n=3 [dizziness (1); elevated blood pressure (2)]
Liu et al 201993 - MA + Sertraline/n=40
- Sertraline/n=40
PMD (CCMD-3, ICD-10) NR 30 min/day, 3 days/week for 12 weeks BL23, CV4, HT7, KI3, LI4, LR3, SP6 Sertraline 50mg/day for 6 weeks HAMD, FSH, E2, 5-HT, GABA (i) Lower HAMD in MA + Sertraline group
(ii) Lower FSH level in MA + Sertraline group; higher E2, 5-HT and GABA levels in MA + Sertraline group
No follow-up NR
Ning 201594 - MA + Nilestriol + Fluoxetine/n=45
- Nilestriol + Fluoxetine/n=45
PMD (Psychiatry textbook) NR 30 min/day, 7 days/week for 12 weeks BL13, BL15, BL18, BL20, BL23, GV20, HT7, KI3, LI4, LR3 Nilestriol 2mg/15days + Fluoxetine 20mg/day for 12 weeks HAMD, TESS Lower HAMD and TESS in MA + Nilestriol + Fluoxetine group No follow-up NR

Abbreviations: NR, no report; MA, manual acupuncture; EA, electroacupuncture; PMI, perimenopausal insomnia; PMD, perimenopausal depression; DSM-IV, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition); ICSD-3, International classification of sleep disorders (Third Edition); CCMD-2-R, revised Chinese Classification of Mental Disorders (Second Edition); CCMD-3, Chinese Classification of Mental Disorders (Third Edition); ICD-10, International Classification of Diseases (10th edition); DTICA, Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Insomnia in Chinese Adults (2012 Edition); CDTE-TCM, Criteria of Diagnosis and Therapeutic Effect of Diseases and Syndromes in TCM; PSQI, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; ISI, Insomnia Severity Index; AIS, Athens Insomnia Scale; KI, Kupperman Index; MRS, Menopause Rating Scale; Men-QoL, Menopause-Specific Quality of Life; HAMA, Hamilton Anxiety Scale; HAMD, Hamilton Depression Scale; SAS, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale; SDS, Self-Rating Depression Scale; WHOQOL-BREF, World Health Organization’s quality of life scale-brief form questionnaire; TESS, Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale; PSG, polysomnography; MSMSMS, micromovement sensitive mattress sleep monitoring system; SOL, sleep onset latency; WASO, wake after sleep onset; TST, total sleep time; SE, sleep efficiency; ATs, awakening times; AA, average awakening; ArI, arousal index; REM, rapid eye movement; N1(2, 3, 4), 1st(2nd, 3rd, 4th) period of non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREM); FSH, follicle-stimulating hormone; LH, luteinizing hormone; E2, estradiol; 5-HT, 5-hydroxy tryptamine; NE, norepinephrine; DA, dopamine; GABA, gamma-aminobutyric acid; six syndrome patterns with liver as the core [liver stagnation (stasis); excessive liver fire due to emotional suppression; Disturbance of liver Yang; deficiency of kidney and hyperactivity of liver; liver depression invading the stomach; liver depression invading the heart]; five TCM syndrome patterns according to CDTE-TCM [excessive liver fire due to emotional suppression; disturbance of Heart due to phlegm heat; Yin deficiency leading to excessive fire; Heart and Spleen deficiency; Heart and Gallbladder Qi deficiency]; BL8, Luoque; BL13, Feishu; BL15, Xinshu; BL17, Geshu; BL18, Ganshu; BL20, Pishu; BL21, Weishu; BL23, Shenshu; BL62, Shenmai; CV3, Zhongji; CV3, Zhongji; CV4, Guanyuan; CV6, Qihai; CV10, Xiawan; CV12, Zhongwan; EX, Anmian; EX-B2, Jiaji; EX-CA1, Zigong; EX-HN1, Sishencong; EX-HN3, Yintang; GB13, Benshen; GB14, Yangbai; GB15, Toulinqi; GB20, Fengchi; GB25, Jingmen; GV3, Yaoyangguan; GV4, Mingmen; GV14, Dazhui; GV16, Fengfu; GV19, Houding; GV20, Baihui; GV21, Qianding; GV24, Shenting; GV26, Shuigou; HT7, Shenmen; KI3, Taixi; KI6, Zhaohai; KI7, Fuliu; KI10, Yingu; KI13, Qixue; KI17, Shangqu; LI4, Hegu; LR3, Taichong; LR14, Qimen; LU7, Lieque; PC5, Jianshi; PC6, Neiguan; PC7, Daling; SI3, Houxi; SP4, Gongsun; SP6, Sanyinjiao; SP8, Diji; SP9, Yinlingquan; SP10, Xuehai; SP15, Daheng; ST25, Tianshu; ST26, Wailing; ST36, Zusanli; ST40, Fenglong.