Painful periods or dysmenorrhoea (primary) occur in the young women soon after the commencement of periods and in most cases no organic disease is present. Period-like pain without menstrual bleeding may sometimes be due to anatomical abnormality in the reproductive system and this will need to be excluded. Dysmenorrhoea (secondary) later in life is often caused by pelvic pathology and the cause will need to be established and treated. Primary dysmenorrhoea can be effectively treated with acupuncture.

Modulation of pain intensity may be evident at time of treatment if acupuncture is performed when pain is present. This indicates responsiveness to acupuncture therapy, and continuing treatment will usually result in resolution of symptoms. Acupuncture however has a more limited role in secondary dysmenorrhoea. The management involves treatment of the underlying disease. Acupuncture will commonly provide temporary relief of symptoms.