Written by Jessica Patella, ND. In 101 participants the use of fenugreek reduced menstrual pain by about 50% compared to the control group.
Dysmenorrhea or painful menses is one of the most common causes of absenteeism from work and decreased quality of life (3). Dysmenorrhea can affect up to 80% of adolescent women, making it a common debilitating health concern (2). Due to of the lack of side effects, more and more people are reaching for herbal supplements as an alternative medical option (1). For the first time, the herbal supplement fenugreek has been found to help the symptoms of painful menses (1).
Fenugreek is a plant found in West Asia and Iran and is listed by the FDA as “generally recognized as safe.” Fenugreek is commonly added to Indian or Egyptian foods as a spice because it contains fiber and protein (4). As an herbal supplement, fenugreek is commonly used as a galactagogue, meaning it helps increase mother’s milk (1).
A recent study on fenugreek included 101 participants with an average age of 20 years. The participants were randomly assigned to either the fenugreek group (n=51) or the placebo group (n=50). The participants took 2-3 capsules three times a day of either fenugreek (900mg per capsule) or placebo for the first 3 days of menstruation. The supplementation or placebo was taken for two consecutive menstrual cycles (1).
During the first 3 days of menstruation, pain severity was measured on the visual analog scale (with a score of 1-2 indicating mild pain, a score of 3-7 indicating moderate pain and a score of 8-10 indicating severe pain). Associated symptoms of menstruation were also measured (verbal score from 0-3 on fatigue, diarrhea, syncope, nausea, vomiting, lack of energy, headache and mood swings) (1).
In the fenugreek group, pain severity decreased significantly from 6.4 at baseline to 3.25 in the second cycle (p<0.001). In the placebo group, pain severity decreased from 6.14 at baseline to 5.96 in the second cycle (p=0.016).
The average number of over-the-counter pain relieving tablets required decreased significantly in the fenugreek group only (from about 5.5 to 3 tablets, p<0.001). The severity of associated symptoms decreased in the fenugreek group only as well, including fatigue, diarrhea, syncope, nausea, vomiting, lack of energy, headache and mood swings (p<0.001) (1).
In conclusion, fenugreek was shown to decrease the pain severity and associated symptoms of menstruation (1). There were no adverse effects recorded and therefore the researchers reported fenugreek should be considered as on option for painful menses (1).
Source: Younesy, Sima, Sedigheh Amiraliakbari, Somayeh Esmaeili, Hamid Alavimajd, and Soheila Nouraei. “Effects of fenugreek seed on the severity and systemic symptoms of dysmenorrhea.” Journal of reproduction & infertility 15, no. 1 (2014): 41.
© 2014 Avicenna Research Institute
Posted January 6, 2015.
Jessica Patella, ND, is a naturopathic physician specializing in nutrition and homeopathic medicine and offers a holistic approach to health. She earned her ND from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, AZ, and is a member of the North Carolina Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Visit her website at www.awarenesswellness.com.
References:
- Younesy S et al. Effects of Fenugreek Seed on the Severity and Systemic Symptoms of Dysmenorrhea. J Reprod Infertil. 2014; 15 (1): 41-48.
- Agarwal AK, Agarwal A. A Study of Dysmenorrhea During Menstruation in Adolescent Girls. Indian Journal of Community Medicine : Official Publication of Indian Association of Preventive & Social Medicine 2010;35(1):159-164. doi:10.4103/0970-0218.62586.
- Arulkumaran S. Essentials of gynecology. 1 ed New Delhi; Jaypee Brothers; 2005. 344p
- Kochhar A, et al. Proximate composition, available carbohydrates, dietary fibre and anti-nutritional factors of selected traditional medicinal plants. Ju Hum Ecol. 2006; 19:195-9.
