Comparison of the effect of Chamomile and Mefenamic Acid on primary dysmenorrhea, associated symptoms and menstrual bleeding – A randomized clinical trial study

Abstract

Background Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common pelvic pains in women, impairing their quality of life.This study investigated the effects of chamomile sachet and mefenamic acid on primary dysmenorrhea, associated symptoms and bleeding. Methods In this randomized clinical trial, 200 female students with primary dysmenorrhea from Arak universities were randomly assigned to two groups. The group (A) received mefenamic acid (250 mg) and group (B) received chamomile (5000 mg) plus one teaspoonful of honey )as a flavoring( for two days before up to the first three days of menstruation, three times a day in two consecutive cycles. Pain severity, associated symptoms and bleeding were assessed using visual analog scale, Andersch-Milsom Verbal Scale and Higham chart, respectively. Data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistical tests by SPSS 21. Results Severe pain during two months after intervention was in 6 (6.3%) of group (B) and 6 (6.3%) in group (A) (p = 0.351, p = 0.332). Mean severity of associated symptoms two months after the treatment was( 4.93 ± 3.54) in group (B) and (5.62 ± 3.54 ) in group (A), indicating further reduction in group (B) but not significant (p = 0.278). Mean of bleeding was (88.71 ± 66.4 vs. 70.54 ± 53. 34) in group (B) and (A) respectively, in two months later. therefore decrease in the two groups but was not significant between groups(p = 0.567). Conclusions It seems chamomile sachet can reduce the severity of pain and bleeding similar to mefenamic acid and even further mitigate the symptoms associated with dysmenorrhea. Trial registration: This study was performed with the proposal approval code of 2611, ethics code of (ARAKMU.REC.1395.164) at Arak University of medical sciences and code of IRCT 2016100825031N5 on 2016.11.08.

Effect of Mefenamic Acid on Premenstrual Syndrome in Reproductive age Group

“…Various studies have reported the dramatic alleviation of dysmenorrhea associated with PMS, either alone or in combination with other complementary therapies [23][24] . However, the effect of mefenamic acid alone on overall symptoms of PMS is not appraised appropriately especially among the people of Pakistan.…”