Randomised trial, 2006
What herbs and dietary supplements have evidence for treating premenstrual syndrome?
A review of research found that calcium, vitamin B6, and chasteberry have the strongest evidence from clinical trials for treating premenstrual syndrome.
What they did
Evidence-based review of published studies examining herbs and dietary supplements for gynecologic conditions including menopause, premenstrual syndrome, dysmenorrhea, cyclic mastalgia, and infertility. The review evaluated the quality of evidence from randomized controlled trials.
What they found
For premenstrual syndrome: calcium, vitamin B6, and chasteberry were identified as having higher levels of support from randomized controlled trial evidence. For other gynecologic conditions: black cohosh for menopause, vitamins B1 and E for dysmenorrhea, and chasteberry for cyclic mastalgia had evidence. For infertility, too few trials existed, but chasteberry, antioxidants, and Fertility Blend had some preliminary support.
What it means for you
When prescription medications are not working well or cause side effects, some herbs and supplements have been studied in clinical trials for PMS and other gynecologic conditions. Calcium, B6, and chasteberry have the most evidence for PMS. However, most alternative treatments need more research before strong recommendations can be made.
3
Therapies with evidence for PMS
5
Gynecologic conditions reviewed
2006
Publication year
About the study
- Original title
- The use of herbs and dietary supplements in gynecology: an evidence-based review
- Authors
- Dennehy CE
- Journal
- Journal of midwifery & women's health
- Year
- 2006
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- What was tested
- Evidence review of herbs and supplements for gynecologic conditions
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.jmwh.2006.01.004
Topics
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