Vitamin E and fish oil, separately or in combination, on treatment of primary dysmenorrhea: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial

Primary dysmenorrhea is one of the most common complaints of women. The aim of this study was to investigate the adjuvant effect of vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, separately or in combination, supplements on pain in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. This clinical trial conducted on students of university. Qualified girls completed the VAS before randomization. Arrangement was determined according to the severity of the pain (mild 0-3; moderate 3.1-6; severe 6.1-10). One hundred patients were randomly assigned to four groups receiving omega-3 (n=25), vitamin E (n=25), vitamin E- omega-3 (n=25), or placebo (n=25). Three hundred milligrams of omega-3 capsules (180mg EPA and 120mg DHA) and 200 international units (IU) vitamin E were administered daily. Severity of the pain measured in the beginning and the end of the study. Omega-3 and vitamin E supplements effectively relieved menstrual pain compared with the placebo. But in group with combination of vitamin E+omega-3 has a considerable effect on menstrual pain when compared with other groups (p<.05). Using of Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug has high complication; however, Fish oil and vitamin E are helpful in reducing of dysmenorrhea pain and can be replaced with them.