Effect of Acupressure on Menopausal Symptoms and Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

This study was conducted as a randomized controlled experimental trial with the aim of determining the effect of acupressure on menopausal symptoms and quality of life in postmenopausal women, as well as the correlation between the two. This randomized controlled experimental study was conducted between May and November 2021 with women coming to a Menopause School in Turkey. A Descriptive Characteristics Form, the Menopause Rating Scale, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Short Form were used to collect data. The study was performed with 61 patients in an acupressure group (n = 30) and a control group (n = 31). Acupressure was performed on the acupressure group in 30-minute sessions 3 times a week for 4 weeks, a total of 12 sessions. No intervention was performed on the control group. When the groups were compared, it was seen that the menopause symptom scores of the acupressure group were lower than those of the control group, and that their quality of life scores in the bodily and psychological areas were higher (P < .05). When within group comparisons were considered, it was seen that menopause symptoms declined over time in the acupressure group, and the scores of all dimensions of quality of life increased (P < .05). It was found that acupressure applied to women during menopause may reduce menopause symptoms and may improve their quality of life.