Menstrual pain is among the most common causes of absence from work and poor quality of life [1]. It can affect up to 80% of adolescent women, making it a common and sometimes debilitating health concern [2]. More people are turning to herbal supplements as an alternative treatment because of their lack of adverse effects [3]. For the first time, a fenugreek supplement was found suitable for easing symptoms associated with menstrual pain [3].
Fenugreek grows in western Asia and Iran and is considered “generally recognized as safe” by the FDA. It is commonly used as a spice in Indian or Egyptian food and contains fibre and protein [4].
As a supplement it is used as a galactagogue, meaning it can increase breast-milk production [3]. A recent study included 101 participants with a mean age of 20. They were randomly assigned to fenugreek (51) or placebo (50). They took 2–3 capsules three times daily, each containing 900 mg fenugreek, or placebo, during the first three days of menstruation for two consecutive cycles [3].
During those three days, pain severity was rated on a visual analogue scale: 1–2 mild, 3–7 moderate and 8–10 severe. Menstrual symptoms were also assessed on a verbal 0–3 scale for fatigue, diarrhea, fainting, nausea, vomiting, lack of energy, headache and mood changes [3].
Pain severity in the fenugreek group fell significantly from 6.4 at baseline to 3.25 in the second cycle. With placebo it fell from 6.14 to 5.96.
Average painkiller consumption fell significantly in the fenugreek group, from about 5.5 to three tablets. Associated symptoms—fatigue, diarrhea, fainting, nausea, vomiting, low energy, headache and mood changes—also decreased only in this group [3].
In conclusion, fenugreek supplementation reduced menstrual pain severity and associated symptoms [3]. No adverse effects were observed, leading the researchers to suggest it be considered a treatment option for menstrual pain [3].
Reference:
[1] Arulkumaran S. Essentials of gynecology. 1 ed New Delhi; Jaypee Brothers; 2005. 344p
[2] Agarwal AK, Agarwal A. A Study of Dysmenorrhea During Menstruation in Adolescent Girls. Indian Journal of Community Medicine: Official Publication of Indian Association of Preventive & Social Medicine 2010;35(1):159-164. doi:10.4103/0970-0218.62586.
[3] Younesy S et al. Effects of Fenugreek Seed on the Severity and Systemic Symptoms of Dysmenorrhea. J Reprod Infertil. 2014; 15 (1): 41-48.
[4] Kochhar A, et al. Proximate composition, available carbohydrates, dietary fibre and anti-nutritional factors of selected traditional medicinal plants. Ju Hum Ecol. 2006; 19:195-9.