A number of studies have reported that natural therapies may be helpful for women with dysmenorrhea. Research published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (February 2009; 15(2):129–132) compared the effects of ginger, mefenamic acid, and ibuprofen on menstrual pain. The study included 150 students over the age of 18 with primary dysmenorrhea who were divided into three groups and given either 250 mg of ginger rhizome powder, 250 mg of mefenamic acid, or 400 mg of ibuprofen, taken four times daily for three days starting at the onset of menstruation. Symptoms decreased in all three groups, and there was no significant difference in pain relief between those taking ginger and those taking the medications. Ginger was found to be as effective as the drug therapies and was not associated with side effects.
Earlier research published in the Western Journal of Surgical Gynecology (1954; 62:610–611) examined a combination of niacin, rutin, and vitamin C in the management of dysmenorrhea. In this study, 80 women between the ages of 15 and 44 took 100 mg of niacin twice daily, increasing the dose to every two or three hours when symptoms were present. Approximately 90% of participants experienced symptom relief. The addition of 60 mg of rutin and 300 mg of vitamin C appeared to enhance the effect, and many women continued to experience relief for several months after discontinuing treatment.
Magnesium has also been studied. A double-blind trial published in Zentralblatt für Gynäkologie (1989; 111:755–760) found that more than 80% of women receiving magnesium supplementation for six months experienced reduced dysmenorrhea symptoms. This group also showed reduced levels of prostaglandin F2α, a compound that inhibits progesterone production and has been implicated in menstrual pain.
Thiamin has likewise shown benefit. A study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research (April 1996; 103:227–231) followed 556 girls between the ages of 12 and 21 with dysmenorrhea who received either 100 mg per day of thiamin or placebo for 90 days. Among those receiving thiamin, 95% were either completely free of pain or experienced substantial relief.
Additional studies have reported benefits from spinal manipulation and dietary changes, and in clinical practice dysmenorrhea is often noted to respond well to comprehensive natural healthcare approaches that address nutrition, nervous system function, and overall balance.
