Effects of Fish Oil on Primary Dysmenorrhea

Background: In the light of dysmenorrhea prevalence and its importance for women at reproductive age and lack of clinical research on the effects of fish oil on dysmenorrhea in our country, this study was conducted on university students over the period ۲۰۰۲-۲۰۰۳. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial (before & after treatment) was carried out on ۸۰ single girls, who suffered from primary dysmenorrhea. Data were collected through a questionnaire including demographic factors, exercise, stress causing factors, use of pain reliever and the Mc Gill pain ruler for determination of pain. The subjects were classified into two groups based on their pain severity. The moderate group (۴ grade ۷) and also the severe one (۸ grade ۱۰) and the subjects with less than ۴ grades were excluded from this study. All the subjects consumed fish oil capsule (۱gr), b.i.d from the ۱۵th day of menstrual cycle for ۴۵ days continuously. The research data were collected before study, during the consumption of fish oil and two menstrual periods thereafter and were analyzed by employing Sign and McNemar statistical tests. Results: The subjects averaged ۲۲.۱ ۲.۵ years of age. Factors affecting dysmenorrhea severity did not show significant difference before and after treatment. Severe dysmenorrhea decreased from ۵۰ percent to ۲۱.۲ percent, (P= ۰.۰۰۰۱). The consumption of pain reliever decreased after treatment with fish oil. Moreover, no serious side effects were observed as a result of fish oil intake. The effect of fish oil improved after ۲ cycles followup, so that severe dysmenorrhea decreased from ۲۱.۲ percent to ۱۶.۸ percent. Conclusion: The consumption of fish oil (۲gr daily) for ۴۵ days decreases primary dysmenorrhea. The investigation of effects of long term consumption of fish oil (۶ months) is recommended.