Cohort study, 2023
Do plant compounds help irregular periods and PMS?
Yes. All 15 women developed more regular cycles averaging 27.1 ± 3.2 days with reduced menstrual pain and flow. In the 7 women with PMS, depression, headache, and abdominal pain improved. The study was very small without a control group.
What they did
15 women at genetic risk for breast cancer or with breast cancer history who had irregular periods (cycles of 24 days or fewer, or 38 days or more) received a daily combination of three plants: Dioscorea villosa, Vitex agnus castus, and Turnera diffusa. They tracked bleeding daily and completed quality-of-life questionnaires for 3 months.
What they found
All 15 women developed regular cycles with mean length 27.1 ± 3.2 days. Menstrual pain and flow intensity significantly decreased (p=0.02). Among 7 women with PMS, depression, headache, and abdominal pain scores improved significantly (p<0.05). Overall satisfaction was 6.8 out of 10.
What it means for you
A combination of three plants may help regulate periods and reduce menstrual pain, with possible PMS benefits in breast cancer survivors. Very limited by small sample size (15 women), no control group, and only 3 months of follow-up.
15
women in study
27.1±3.2 days
mean cycle length after treatment
7
women with PMS symptom improvement
About the study
- Original title
- Phyto-progestins for the treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding without organic cause in women at high risk for breast cancer and breast cancer survivors: a prospective, pilot study
- Authors
- Grandi G, Facchinetti F, Melotti C et al.
- Journal
- Gynecological endocrinology : the official journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology
- Year
- 2023
- Study design
- Cohort study
- Participants
- 15
- What was tested
- Daily combination of Dioscorea villosa, Vitex agnus castus, Turnera diffusa for 3 months
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1080/09513590.2023.2239936
Topics
Related studies
Cohort study, 2024
Does Vitex supplement improve menstrual cycle problems and quality of life?
Randomised trial, 2026
Do seed cycling capsules with chasteberry reduce PMS symptoms over two months?
Review, 2025
Do herbal remedies help with menstrual and menopausal symptoms?
Non-randomised trial, 2023
Does a supplement with Vitex, vitamin B6, and magnesium reduce PMS symptoms?
Systematic review, 2025
Does digital healthcare help manage period pain and PMS?
Systematic review, 2025
Does teaching adolescent girls about their menstrual cycle and health help reduce period pain and PMS?