Randomised trial, 2000
Does a low-fat vegetarian diet reduce period pain and premenstrual symptoms?
Yes. The diet increased a hormone-binding protein that reduces active estrogen, lowered body weight, and decreased both period pain duration and premenstrual symptoms.
What they did
33 women in a crossover study followed a low-fat vegetarian diet for two menstrual cycles, then returned to their usual diet plus a placebo pill for two cycles. Researchers measured diet intake, hormone levels, body weight, pain severity, and premenstrual symptoms throughout.
What they found
During the diet phase, sex-hormone binding globulin was higher at 46.7 nmol/L compared to 39.3 nmol/L on usual diet. Body weight was lower at 66.1 kg versus 67.9 kg. Period pain duration decreased from 3.9 days to 2.7 days. Pain intensity was lower on worst, second-worst, and third-worst days. Premenstrual concentration, mood changes, and water retention were significantly reduced.
What it means for you
A low-fat vegetarian diet may help reduce period pain and premenstrual symptoms by increasing a protein that binds to active estrogen. However, diet involves many factors and lifestyle changes, so effects are moderate.
33
women studied
2.7
period pain days on diet
46.7
SHBG nmol/L on diet
About the study
- Original title
- Diet and sex-hormone binding globulin, dysmenorrhea, and premenstrual symptoms
- Authors
- Barnard ND, Scialli AR, Hurlock D et al.
- Journal
- Obstetrics and gynecology
- Year
- 2000
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 33
- What was tested
- Low-fat vegetarian diet for two menstrual cycles
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/s0029-7844(99)00525-6
Topics
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