[Primary dysmenorrhea and complementary medicine]

ABSTRACT

Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common gynecological complaints of women and causes dysfunction in common activities and absenteeism from school and work. Safest and most reliable treatment for primary dysmenorrhea that its usefulness is also proven is complementary medicine. Considering the prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea and damaging side effects of some synthetic drugs, the present study has been done to evaluate the effect of complementary medicine on primary dysmenorrhea. After searching the databases Pubmed, SID, Scirus and Elsevier and after searching about 60 data sources from 2000 to 2013, the following findings were obtained. complementary medicine includes the use of dietary supplements, vitamins, aroma therapy, herbal therapy, homeopathy, acupressure, sport and massage and is safe, affordable, and accessible. It has less side effects, acceptability and high tolerability and can replace highly morbid chemical agents. based on the findings of the present research on the prevalence of dysmenorrhea, further studies on the side effects and benefits of complementary medicine and comparing the influence of complementary medicine with chemical drugs is mandatory