Every month, your body gives you a signal. For many women across Middlesbrough and Teesside, that signal arrives as pain: sometimes a dull ache, sometimes something sharp enough to stop the day in its tracks.
You might have been told it's normal. That you just need to push through, take a painkiller, use a hot water bottle. And perhaps that's worked, some months. But if you're reading this, chances are it hasn't been enough.
Period pain (dysmenorrhoea) affects up to 90% of women at some point. It is common. But common does not mean inevitable, and it certainly does not mean untreatable.
This post explores what causes period pain, how acupuncture addresses it, and what the evidence actually says about whether it works.
Key Takeaways- Period pain (dysmenorrhoea) affects up to 90% of women and can significantly impact daily life
- A 2018 meta-analysis of 60 randomised controlled trials found acupuncture more effective than NSAIDs for menstrual pain, with fewer side effects
- A pilot study by Dr Mike Armour found over half of participants experienced a 50% reduction in pain within three months, with benefits lasting up to a year
- Acupuncture works through multiple mechanisms: hormone regulation, muscle relaxation, endorphin release, and reduced inflammation
- Deanna Thomas is an MBAcC-registered acupuncturist treating women across Middlesbrough, Marton, Ingleby Barwick, and wider Teesside
- Initial consultation from £80. Treatment may be claimable through some health insurance policies
What Is Period Pain, and Why Does It Happen?
Period pain typically falls into one of two categories, and understanding which applies to you matters for how it is treated.
Primary Dysmenorrhoea
Pain with no identifiable underlying cause. It is driven by prostaglandins, hormone-like compounds, that trigger the uterus to contract during menstruation. When levels are high, contractions become intense, restricting blood flow to the uterine muscle and causing the cramping sensation most women recognise. This is the most common form and often begins in adolescence.
Secondary Dysmenorrhoea
Pain caused by a diagnosable underlying condition, most commonly endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids, or PCOS. This type often develops later in life and tends to worsen over time. Treating the pain without addressing the underlying condition is only ever part of the picture, which is why a thorough assessment matters.
Common symptoms extend beyond cramping and can include lower back and thigh pain, nausea, fatigue, diarrhoea, headaches, and mood disturbance around menstruation.
- Cramping pain in the lower abdomen, often starting 1–2 days before bleeding
- Radiating pain into the lower back and thighs
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea during the heaviest days
- Fatigue and low energy throughout menstruation
- Headaches or light-headedness
- Mood changes, anxiety, or irritability in the lead-up to your period
Why NSAIDs and the Pill Aren't the Right Answer for Everyone
Acupuncture clinic — The House, 283 Acklam Road, MiddlesbroughIbuprofen and other NSAIDs are the most commonly prescribed first-line treatment for period pain, and for some women, they work well. But around a quarter of women find they don't provide adequate relief. For others,, side effects like nausea, headaches, or gastrointestinal discomfort make them difficult to take regularly.
The combined oral contraceptive pill is another common option, and it can reduce pain by suppressing ovulation and thinning the uterine lining. But it isn't suitable for everyone. Women who are trying to conceive, those with a history of blood clots, migraine with aura, or certain other health conditions may not be able to take it. Many simply prefer not to..
That is where acupuncture offers a genuinely different path: addressing the mechanisms driving the pain rather than simply masking it, and doing so without the side-effect profile of medication.
How Acupuncture Helps with Period Pain
Acupuncture works on several levels simultaneously, which is partly why its effects can be both immediate and cumulative. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, painful periods often signal stagnation: energy and blood that are not moving freely through the body. Acupuncture restores that flow.
From a biomedical perspective, the mechanisms are equally well-described:
⚖️Hormone Regulation
Acupuncture supports the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis, helping to balance prostaglandin levels that drive uterine cramping.
🌿Muscle Relaxation
By reducing excessive uterine contractions, acupuncture directly addresses the mechanism behind cramping pain.
✨Endorphin Release
Acupuncture stimulates the body's own pain-relief system, triggering the release of endorphins and enkephalins.
🔥Anti-Inflammatory Action
Studies show acupuncture can reduce circulating inflammatory markers, particularly relevant for endometriosis-related pain.
🩸Improved Blood Flow
Increased pelvic blood circulation reduces the ischaemia (oxygen deprivation) in uterine tissue that contributes to cramping.
🧠Pain Pathway Modulation
Acupuncture influences how the central nervous system processes and perceives pain signals from the pelvic region.
Painful periods are common. But common does not mean normal — and it does not mean there is nothing to be done.
What the Research Says
The evidence base for acupuncture and period pain is one of the stronger areas in acupuncture research. This is not a case of "some women find it helpful." The clinical trials are substantial, and the findings are consistent.
The Evidence at a Glance
Woo et al. (2018): 60 randomised controlled trials, 3,000+ participants: A large-scale meta-analysis found acupuncture significantly more effective at reducing menstrual pain than no treatment and more effective than NSAIDs, with fewer reported side effects. Manual acupuncture and warm acupuncture produced the strongest outcomes. View study [1]
Armour et al. (2017): Pilot RCT, 12-month follow-up: More than half of participants receiving acupuncture experienced a clinically meaningful reduction in pain severity within three months. The benefits were sustained at 12 months, with many women reducing or stopping their use of pain medication altogether. View study [2]
Smith et al. (2016): Cochrane Review: A systematic review of acupuncture for dysmenorrhoea concluded that acupuncture may reduce menstrual pain compared with no treatment or NSAIDs, with low rates of adverse events. The authors called for further high-quality trials. View review [3]
These are not small studies or anecdotes. They are peer-reviewed clinical trials involving thousands of women, and their findings point consistently in the same direction.
Our SpecialismPeriod Pain, PMS & Endometriosis
Deanna Thomas specialises in women's hormonal health, treating period pain, PMS, endometriosis, and related conditions at her Middlesbrough clinic.
View Our Period Pain Service What to Expect at the Clinic
If you've never tried acupuncture before, it's natural to have questions. Here's what your experience at the clinic in Middlesbrough typically looks like.
1
In-Depth Consultation
Your initial appointment (75–90 minutes) is a thorough conversation about your cycle, symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle, going well beyond what most GP appointments allow for.
2
A Personalised Treatment Plan
No two women's periods are the same. Your plan is built specifically around your pattern, whether that's primary dysmenorrhoea, endometriosis, PCOS, or something else.
3
Gentle, Targeted Treatment
Acupuncture needles are extremely fine. Most women find the experience relaxing rather than uncomfortable. Points are selected based on your specific presentation, not a generic protocol.
4
Ongoing Review
Progress is discussed at every appointment. Treatment adapts as your cycle responds. You are never just following a fixed programme. The work evolves with you.
Acupuncture Is Dose-Dependent — What That Means for You
Like antibiotics, acupuncture works best when given consistently over a period of time. A single session will rarely resolve a chronic pattern, but a structured course of treatment, reviewed regularly, can produce lasting change.
For period pain, the British Acupuncture Council recommends beginning with weekly sessions for the first four to six weeks, then reviewing progress together. Many women find that after an initial course, the frequency of sessions can reduce as the cycle settles.
This is something Deanna will talk through with you at your first appointment, based on your individual history. [4]
£80 Initial Consultation (75–90 mins)
£65 Follow-up Session (~60 mins)
700+ Five-Star Reviews
Could Your Health Insurance Cover This?
As an MBAcC-registered acupuncturist, Deanna Thomas is recognised by most UK health insurers that cover acupuncture. She is confirmed as a recognised provider with AXA Health.
✅ AXA Health — recognised provider
🔍 Vitality — check your policy
🔍 Cigna — check your policy
🔍 WPA — check your policy
The question to ask your insurer is: "Is acupuncture by an MBAcC-registered practitioner covered under my policy?"
Deanna does not bill insurers directly. You pay for treatment and reclaim from your insurer. Always confirm your cover before booking.
What Clients Say
Asked plenty of questions to get a good understanding of me, my body and my goals. The service was very personalised and I felt comfortable from start to finish.
★★★★★ Neve B. · Google Review
Taking the time to understand my current personal circumstances before tailoring each session accordingly. I always leave feeling incredibly relaxed and rejuvenated.
★★★★★ Faye W. · Google Review
Could Your Period Pain Be a Sign of Something More?
Sometimes, persistent or worsening period pain is the body's way of signalling that something else is going on. Conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, adenomyosis, and PCOS are frequently under-diagnosed, with women told for years that their pain is "just" periods.
If your pain has worsened over time, if you experience pain outside of menstruation, or if your cycle has become irregular as well as painful, it is worth exploring this further.
There is a close relationship between period pain and cycle irregularity. Many of the same underlying imbalances across hormones, inflammation, and the nervous system can drive both. Acupuncture addresses the whole picture, not just the symptom that brought you through the door.
Related ReadingWhy Are My Periods Irregular?
If cycle irregularity is also part of your experience, this companion guide explores the causes, from PCOS to thyroid imbalance to perimenopause, and how acupuncture supports cycle regularity.
Read: Why Are My Periods Irregular? Supportive Steps to Take Between Sessions
Acupuncture does much of the heavy lifting, but small, consistent changes between sessions can reinforce progress and help your body regulate more easily over time.
- 🌱
Eat to reduce inflammation. In the week before your period, focus on omega-3-rich foods (oily fish, flaxseed, walnuts), reduce sugar and processed foods, and include magnesium-rich options like dark leafy greens and dark chocolate.
- 🌡️
Use heat therapy. A warm compress or hot water bottle on the lower abdomen can ease cramping by relaxing the uterine muscle and improving blood flow. This is gentle, effective, and completely compatible with acupuncture treatment.
- 🧘
Gentle movement, not pushing through. Light yoga, walking, or restorative movement during menstruation can reduce pain and improve mood. This is different from intense exercise, which can sometimes worsen symptoms for some women.
- 😴
Prioritise sleep around your period. The body does a significant amount of repair and regulation during sleep. Consistent, quality sleep in the days around menstruation supports hormone balance and pain tolerance.
- 💧
Stay hydrated. Dehydration can worsen cramping and fatigue. Aim for 1.5–2 litres of water daily, and consider warm herbal teas (ginger, chamomile) which may have additional anti-inflammatory benefits.
- 📊
Start tracking your cycle. Noting pain severity, timing, and associated symptoms across a few cycles gives both you and your acupuncturist valuable information, and often surfaces patterns that weren't visible before.
Why Choose Deanna Thomas for Period Pain?
There are a number of acupuncturists practising across Teesside. Here is what makes Deanna's approach to period pain and women's health different.
🎓 Specialist Women's Health Training
Deanna holds a Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (DipObsGyn) and is a Fertility Support Trained acupuncturist. These are advanced credentials that go well beyond standard acupuncture qualification. Period pain, cycle irregularity, endometriosis, and hormonal health are her everyday specialism, not an occasional request.
📋 Whole-Person Assessment
Your initial appointment allows 75–90 minutes, enough time to understand your full cycle history, your symptoms in context, and the patterns that often get missed in a standard GP appointment. Treatment is built around what is actually driving your pain, not a generic protocol.
⭐ 700+ Five-Star Reviews
Deanna's clinic is multi-award-winning with over 700 five-star Google reviews from women across Middlesbrough and Teesside. The quality of care, and the results it produces, speak for themselves.
🏛️ BAcC Registered & Fully Insured
Membership of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) is the gold standard for acupuncture in the UK. It means Deanna has completed a minimum of three years' degree-level training, adheres to strict codes of conduct, and meets ongoing CPD requirements. It also means she is recognised by most UK private health insurers that cover acupuncture.
Serving Middlesbrough, Teesside & Surrounding Areas
The clinic is located at The House, 283 Acklam Road, Middlesbrough, conveniently accessible from across Teesside. Women travel to see Deanna from:
- Middlesbrough — Acklam, Marton, Nunthorpe, Linthorpe, and surrounding areas
- Stockton-on-Tees — including Ingleby Barwick, Thornaby, and Billingham
- Yarm and the surrounding villages
- Redcar & Cleveland — Guisborough, Saltburn, Redcar
- Darlington and South Durham
- North Yorkshire — Northallerton, Stokesley, and the wider area
If you're searching for acupuncture for period pain near me in the Teesside area, Deanna's clinic is one of the most experienced women's health practices in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does acupuncture actually work for period pain?
Yes. There is a meaningful body of clinical evidence. A 2018 meta-analysis of 60 randomised controlled trials found acupuncture significantly more effective at reducing menstrual pain than no treatment or NSAIDs. A pilot study by Dr Mike Armour found over half of participants experienced a 50% reduction in pain severity within three months, with benefits persisting for up to a year.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on how long you've been experiencing pain and what's driving it. Most women notice meaningful changes within three to four cycles of consistent treatment. We generally recommend weekly sessions for the first four to six weeks, then review together. Progress is discussed at every appointment — there is no rigid fixed programme.
Can acupuncture help with endometriosis pain?
Acupuncture cannot treat endometriosis directly, but it can meaningfully support pain management, reduce inflammation, and improve quality of life alongside conventional treatment. Many women with endometriosis find it a valuable part of their overall care plan. This is an area Deanna has particular experience with.
Is acupuncture safe during a period?
Yes. Acupuncture can be safely given during menstruation and is often most beneficial at this time for those with menstrual pain. Your acupuncturist will adapt the points used based on where you are in your cycle.
Can I combine acupuncture with my current medication?
In most cases, yes. Acupuncture is compatible with NSAIDs, the contraceptive pill, and other standard medications for period pain. Some women find they naturally reduce their reliance on pain medication as treatment progresses, but that is never a goal that is pushed. Always tell your acupuncturist what you are taking.
Do the needles hurt?
Most people are pleasantly surprised. Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, much thinner than injection needles, and most people describe a gentle heaviness or tingling rather than pain. Many find the experience deeply relaxing. If at any point something is uncomfortable, you will always be heard.
Can I claim through health insurance?
Possibly. As an MBAcC-registered practitioner, Deanna is recognised by most UK health insurers that cover acupuncture, including as a confirmed AXA Health provider. Ask your insurer whether acupuncture by an MBAcC-registered practitioner is covered under your policy. Deanna does not bill directly. You pay and reclaim.
Final Thoughts
Painful periods are not a character test. They are not something you simply have to tolerate because "periods are just like that." They are a signal from your body, and signals deserve to be heard.
Whether your pain is mild and frustrating, or severe enough to derail your week, there is value in understanding what is driving it and exploring what might help. Acupuncture is not a miracle cure. But it is a well-evidenced, drug-free approach with a strong track record for exactly this kind of hormonal and pain-related pattern.
If you have tried pain relief that hasn't been enough, or you simply want to explore a different approach, you are welcome to book an initial consultation at the clinic in Middlesbrough. There is no pressure and no obligation beyond the appointment itself.
And if irregular cycles are part of your experience alongside the pain, you might find it helpful to read our companion guide: Why Are My Periods Irregular? The two conditions are often connected, and understanding both can make a real difference to how treatment is approached.
Ready to Experience a Different Kind of Relief?
If you'd like to explore what acupuncture might do for your cycle, you're welcome to book a consultation at our Middlesbrough clinic. There's no pressure, no commitment beyond the appointment itself — just a proper conversation about your health.
Book Your Consultation Call 0800 593 2023Initial consultation £80 · No waitlist pressure · Middlesbrough clinic
"Wellness grows where energy flows."References
- Woo HL, Ji HR, Pak YK, et al. The efficacy and safety of acupuncture in women with primary dysmenorrhea: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2018;97(23):e11007. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000011007. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29879061/
- Armour M, Dahlen HG, Zhu X, Farquhar C, Smith CA. The role of treatment timing and frequency in the effectiveness of acupuncture for dysmenorrhea: a fixedeffects meta-analysis. PLoS ONE. 2017. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5507497/
- Smith CA, Armour M, Zhu X, Li X, Lu ZY, Song J. Acupuncture for dysmenorrhoea. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27087494/
- British Acupuncture Council. Acupuncture is Dose-Dependent. BAcC Factsheet. acupuncture.org.uk