Previous studies have shown that nutrients such as magnesium, calcium and vitamin E may be helpful in treating menstrual pain. Improving fatty acid ratios in the diet by introducing fish oils may reduce inflammation, leading to a reduction in pain. Therefore, using these nutrients and essential fatty-acids in combination should have synergistic effects.
According to a recent study published in Gynecological Endocrinology, researchers demonstrated that vitamin E and fish oil, in combination or separately, relieve menstrual pain. In this double-blind, randomized clinical trial, 100 patients ranging from 18 to 25 years of age were randomly assigned to four groups receiving fish oil (180 mg EPA and 120 mg DHA), vitamin E (200 IU), vitamin E and fish oil combination, or placebo daily for 8 weeks. The severity of the pain was measured by a visual analog scale (VAS) at the beginning and end of the study.
The symptoms reported during menses included leaving daily tasks (72%), fatigue (89.8%), nausea (51%), vomiting (31.8%), diarrhea (19.01%), and headache (42.1%).
According to the results, Fish Oils and vitamin E supplements significantly reduced menstrual pain compared to placebo. The group that received the combined vitamin E and omega-3s experienced a greater positive effect on menstrual pain compared to the other groups.
Dysmenorrhea is also frequently associated with estrogen dominance; therefore, hormone assessment and support with progesterone, DIM and I3C, and/or calcium-d-glucarate may be helpful for balancing the estrogen/progesterone ratio.