Q I have had heavy, painful periods since I was 13. I am now 34 and I have tried everything, including the pill, and I still have heavy, painful periods. Do you think acupuncture could help?

A Yes, this is an area where acupuncture has an important role to play, and there is a very good chance that it could help you with your periods.

Research suggests that acupuncture normalises blood loss for around two-thirds of women with menorrhagia, or heavy periods, and that it can also be successful in treating period pain and many other peri-menstrual symptoms such as tiredness, migraines and irritability.

Indeed, acupuncture has been found to have quite a profound affect on the female endocrine system, in that it regulates the production of hormones throughout the menstrual cycle. This, coupled with the fact that acupuncture is very safe, even during pregnancy, makes it an attractive option for many women.

It is not surprising then that there is a lot of interest from health care researchers in the use of acupuncture for a range of menstrual problems, and in the treatment of infertility.

Researchers in Britain and Sweden are looking at acupuncture in the treatment of infertility for women with polycystic ovary syndrome, researchers in the US are looking at acupuncture in the treatment of endometriosis, while researchers in Australia are studying the treatment of period pain.

And you will remember the article in the Evening Press last autumn about the York and Selby acupuncture for menorrhagia study. Exciting times - so watch this space!

Updated: 08:43 Monday, October 14, 2002