Case report, 2023
Can maca, alfalfa, and magnesium help with PMS, period pain, and heavy bleeding?
One woman taking these supplements for four months experienced relief of her PMS symptoms, period pain, cramping, and heavy bleeding. However, this is just one person, so we cannot be certain these supplements caused the improvement.
What they did
One premenopausal woman was given maca, alfalfa, and magnesium for four months to treat premenstrual syndrome, painful periods, and heavy menstrual bleeding.
What they found
After four months, the patient experienced resolution of multiple PMS symptoms including balanced moods, improved satiety, reduced cystic acne, and regulated bowel movements, as well as complete resolution of menstrual pain, cramping, and lighter menstrual cycles.
What it means for you
This is one woman's experience. Without a control group, we cannot know if the improvements came from the supplements, other life changes, time passing, or placebo effect. More research is needed before we can say these supplements work for PMS and heavy periods.
4
Months of treatment
1
Number of women
About the study
- Original title
- Improvements in Premenstrual Syndrome, Primary Dysmenorrhea, and Menorrhagia with Natural Therapies: A Case Report
- Authors
- Kim Ross
- Journal
- Current Research in Complementary & Alternative Medicine
- Year
- 2023
- Study design
- Case report
- What was tested
- Maca, alfalfa, and magnesium
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.29011/2577-2201.100207
Original abstract
Premenstrual syndrome, primary dysmenorrhea, and abnormal uterine bleeding are separate but intertwined aspects of women's reproductive health.Symptoms can include, but are not limited to, heavy menstrual cycles, painful periods, abdominal cramping, and changes in moods and emotions that can significantly impact the quality of life for women.Women are increasingly interested in seeking natural or alternative therapies to address these conditions.The purpose of this case report is to share one woman's experience using Lepidium peruvianum (maca), Medicago sativa (alfalfa), and magnesium to address premenstrual syndrome, primary dysmenorrhea, and abnormal uterine bleeding, specifically menorrhagia, which has not reported in the scientific literature.In four months, the patient experienced a resolution of multiple PMS symptoms, including balanced moods, improved satiety, reduced cystic acne, and regulated bowel movements, as well as complete resolution of menstrual pain, cramping, and lighter menstrual cycles.This case demonstrated the safe and effective use of Lepidium peruvianum, Medicago sativa, and magnesium in a premenopausal woman to manage premenstrual syndrome, primary dysmenorrhea, and menorrhagia.Further, rather than focusing on one intervention, the case highlights the importance of personalized care (N=1) that utilizes targeted botanical and nutrient therapies in combination to maximize clinical outcomes.
Reproduced under CC-BY-SA.
Topics
Related studies
Survey study, 2026
Can changing your diet help with period and PMS symptoms like fatigue, mood swings and bloating?
Case report, 2023
Does a combination of maca, progesterone, and magnesium help PMDD symptoms?
Non-randomised trial, 2023
Does a supplement with Vitex, vitamin B6, and magnesium reduce PMS symptoms?
Survey study, 2017
Can diet help with PMS symptoms?
Cohort study, 2025
How common is PMS in Chinese teenage girls, and what factors are linked to it?
Systematic review, 2021
Does damask rose help reduce menstrual pain, headache, fatigue, anxiety, and bloating?