Survey study, 2016
How do women use complementary and alternative medicine for menstrual pain?
Many women use it, especially herbal remedies and supplements, usually without a healthcare provider's guidance. Most women think these treatments work, but there is limited scientific evidence about how well they actually do.
What they did
Critical review of published research studies from multiple medical databases examining how women use complementary and alternative medicine (like herbs, supplements, and massage) for menstrual pain and discomfort.
What they found
Complementary and alternative medicine is widely used for menstrual pain, especially herbal remedies, nutritional supplements, and massage. Most women use these treatments without professional guidance and self-prescribe them. Women generally report that these treatments work for them, but there is little scientific research on which treatments actually help or which women are most likely to benefit.
What it means for you
While complementary and alternative medicine is very commonly used for menstrual pain, we have limited research on whether these treatments actually work or who they help most. Women should discuss their use of these treatments with their healthcare provider to ensure safety and coordinate their care.
About the study
- Original title
- A critical review of complementary and alternative medicine use by women with cyclic perimenstrual pain and discomfort: a focus upon prevalence, patterns and applications of use and users' motivations, information seeking and self-perceived efficacy
- Authors
- Fisher C, Sibbritt D, Hickman L et al.
- Journal
- Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica
- Year
- 2016
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- Various complementary and alternative medicine approaches including herbal medicine, nutritional supplements, and massage
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1111/aogs.12921
Topics
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