The Effect of Vitamin E on Ameliorating Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta‑analysis

Abstract

Dysmenorrhea or painful menstruation is one of the most common problems of women. Using systematic review and meta‑analysis, this study aimed to determine the effect of vitamin E on ameliorating the intensity of pain of primary dysmenorrhea. Available databases comprising PubMed, Google Scholar, ISI, Science Direct, SID, Iran Medex, and Magiran were searched to find relevant papers. Clinical trials with the aim of the effect of vitamin E on pain reduction of primary dysmenorrhea were selected. Two independent reviewers assessed the quality of studies and extracted the necessary data. Three studies were eligible for meta‑analysis. The meta‑analysis of these studies showed that vitamin E (with or without mefenamic acid), could reduce the intensity of pain about 7% (95% CI: 2-30%). Based on these studies, vitamin E can reduce the intensity of primary dysmenorrhea.

Keywords: Complimentary medicine, dysmenorrhea, vitamin E