Does fenugreek seed extract reduce PMS symptoms?

Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common and often disruptive condition affecting many women’s physical and emotional wellbeing. Fenugreek seed extract, known for its traditional medicinal use, may offer a natural alternative for relief due to its hormonal and anti-inflammatory properties. Objective: To explore the effects of a 500 mg daily dose of fenugreek seed extract on PMS symptoms over two menstrual cycles. Methods: Ten women aged 20–35 years with moderate-to-severe PMS participated in a single-arm, open-label pilot study. Each received 500 mg of standardized fenugreek extract daily. PMS symptoms were evaluated before and after the intervention using the Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ). Results: By the end of two cycles, participants showed an average 32% reduction in MDQ scores. The most notable improvements were seen in irritability, breast tenderness, and fatigue. No serious adverse effects were reported. Conclusion: Fenugreek seed extract appears to be a safe and promising option for alleviating PMS symptoms. These encouraging results warrant further investigation in larger, controlled trials.

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