Vitamin Effects in Primary Dysmenorrhea

Abstract

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea is considered to be one of the most common gynecological complaints, affecting women’s daily activities and social life. The severity of dysmenorrhea varies among women, and its management is of high importance for them. Given that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the established treatment for dysmenorrhea, are associated with many adverse events, alternative therapeutic options are under evaluation. Emerging evidence correlates management of dysmenorrhea with micronutrients, especially vitamins. Purpose: The aim of this narrative review is to highlight and provide evidence of the potential benefits of vitamins for the management of dysmenorrhea. Methods: The articles were searched on PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar. The searching process was based on keywords, such as “primary dysmenorrhea”, “vitamins”, “supplementation”, “vitamin D”, “vitamin E” and others. Our search focused on data derived from clinical trials, published only during the last decade (older articles were excluded). Results: In this review, 13 clinical trials were investigated. Most of them supported the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and analgesic properties of vitamins. Particularly, vitamins D and E revealed a desirable effect on dysmenorrhea relief Conclusion: Despite the scarcity and heterogeneity of related research, the studies indicate a role of vitamins for the management of primary dysmenorrhea, proposing that they should be considered as alternative therapeutic candidates for clinical use. Nevertheless, this correlation warrants further research.

Vitamin D Supplementation for Patients with Dysmenorrhoea: A Meta-Analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials

“…Vitamin D receptors are found in the ovaries, uterus, placenta, and pituitary gland [42,43], and vitamin D suppresses the expression of inflammation-induced markers and contractile-associated factors in uterine myometrial smooth-muscle cells by interacting with these receptors [44]. Notably, a decrease in serum vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels was observed in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle [45], which may stimulate an increase in inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins, exacerbating the pain intensity of dysmenorrhoea. Overall, through these mechanisms, vitamin D supplementation offers positive benefits in alleviating the pain severity of dysmenorrhoea.…”

Knowledge Mapping of Primary Dysmenorrhea: Hotspots, Knowledge Structure, and Theme Trends

“… 33 Vitamin E may also relieve PD by inhibiting the activity of phospholipase A2 and cyclooxygenase. 34 , 35 Dietary supplements are widely popular among women and readily available in pharmacies and supermarkets. Furthermore, more high-quality evidence for dietary supplements for PD needs to be provided.…”

Efficacy of acupuncture-related therapy in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

“…Additionally, the prevalence of dysmenorrhea is increasing in young women, which affects their daily life and work [ 2 , 3 ]. Currently, the disease is mainly treated using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and contraceptive hormone drugs in Western medicine; however, these drugs exhibit some adverse reactions, such as nausea and vomiting, heartburn, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity [ 4 , 5 ].…”