The effect of wet-cupping therapy on menopause specific quality of life: A randomized-controlled trial

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of wet-cupping therapy (CT) on menopause specific quality of life (MENQOL). Methods: This study was conducted with randomized controlled pretest, and posttest method between July 2015 and July 2016 at a Gynecology Outpatient Clinic of University Hospital in Ankara, Turkey. Intervention group (n=30) received wet CT while control group (n=30) did not receive any therapy. Both groups were measured quality of life using MENQOL scale before and two weeks after wet CT. Results: The women’s age ranged from 45 to 60 years. Baseline characteristics were similar in the both groups. Women treated with wet CT showed significant improvements in their vasomotor, physical and sexual symptoms (p<0.001). No significant effect was found for pshysco-social area (p>0.05). No adverse effects were recorded after treatment. Conclusion: Wet CT can be considered as an effective method for reducing of menopausal symptoms. In conclusion, this study provides preliminary data on the effectiveness of various symptoms in postmenopausal period. However, further with larger sample size evidence-based trials are needed in order to confirm these results for improving MENQOL.