The Positive Effects of Zinc Supplements on the Improvement of Primary Dysmenorrhea and Premenstrual Symptoms: A Double-blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial

Abstract

<em>Background & aim:</em>Primary dysmenorrhea can be relieved via some medical and non-medical approaches. In this regard, the probable therapeutic role of zinc supplements has been recently emphasized. The present study was conducted to determine the positive effects of zinc supplements on relieving primary dysmenorrhea and premenstrual symptoms. <br/><em>Methods:</em>The present double-blind, randomized, controlled trial was conducted on 66 students at Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. Students with the experience of primary dysmenorrhea in at least the last three menstrual cycles (ranging between 21 and 35 days) were included in the study. The participants were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group received oral zinc supplements (50 mg) twice daily for four days before the onset of menstruation and the control group received placebo. For data analysis, t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, ANOVA and Wilcoxon test were performed (95% CI). <br/><em>Results:</em> The intervention led to a decrease in the severity of dysmenorrhea and menstrual bleeding in the experimental group, unlike the control group. The experimental group experienced a lower frequency of some premenstrual symptoms such as headache, vertigo, muscular pain, disability in performing daily activities and general weakness; however, these changes were insignificant in the control group. Lower rates of medicine use for improving dysmenorrhea and its side-effects were reported in the experimental group, compared to the control group. Moreover, the experimental group had a lower tendency to use thermotherapy. <br/><em>Conclusion:</em> The intake of zinc supplements at therapeutic doses could effectively reduce the severity of dysmenorrhea, improve menstrual bleeding and premenstrual symptoms and prevent other premenstrual symptoms.