Role of vitamin D and calcium in the relief of primary dysmenorrhea: a systematic review

Dysmenorrhea is one of the well-established problems among women of reproductive age and can have adverse effects on the quality of life of the individual. Some studies suggest a relationship between vitamin D (Vit D) and calcium deficiency and the emergence of early dysmenorrhea. Accordingly, a systematic study was performed to investigate the role of calcium and Vit D in the relief of primary dysmenorrhea. A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar for papers published between 2010 and 2020. The Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials and Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklists were used to assess the quality of the studies. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool. Low calcium levels lead to an increase in uterine muscle contraction and can cause pain after decreased uterine blood flow. Furthermore, low levels of Vit D can increase primary dysmenorrhea by increasing prostaglandin production or reducing intestinal calcium absorption. That being the case, Vit D and calcium intake can be effective in reducing the severity of primary dysmenorrhea and in reducing the rate of analgesic use. Low levels of Vit D and calcium are inversely related to the severity of primary dysmenorrhea, and Vit D and calcium intake can reduce the severity of primary dysmenorrhea and its associated systemic symptoms. Therefore, the use of calcium and Vit D supplements can be recommended to relieve dysmenorrhea.

effect of peppermint oil on symptomatic treatment of pruritus in pregnant women

Itching is one of the most common skin symptoms. Generalized pruritus occurs in 1-8% of pregnant women. It can create unpleasant feeling for these women especially at nights. Most pregnant women avoid using synthetic drugs because of their side effects. Peppermint is a plant which has been used as a traditional drug in Iran. It decreases skin's temperature. This study was done to determine the effects of peppermint oil on symptomatic treatment of pruritus in pregnant women attending to Rasoul Akram Hospital in Rasht, 2011. In this triple-blind clinical trial, 96 randomly selected subjects diagnosed with pruritus gravidarum were studied [47 cases and 49 controls]. A bottle containing 60 mL of peppermint oil 0.5% in sesame oil and identical placebos were provided to be taken twice a day during 2 weeks by the case and control groups, respectively. The severity of the itch was assessed and compared before and after the study by VAS system. The results were analyzed by SPSS. Statistical methods such as descriptive analysis, independent samples' t-test, paired samples' t-test and Chi-square were employed. The severity of the itch in the treated group with peppermint oil in comparison with the placebo group, showed a significant statistical difference [p = 0.003]. In accordance with the results of this study, it seems that peppermint oil can be effective in reducing the severity of Pruritus Gravidarum. More studies with larger sample sizes are required to confidently declare the mentioned results