[ effects of menastil on primary dysmenorrhea]

ABSTRACT

Considering the prevalence of dysmenorrhea and its importance for women as well as social qualities and public tendency toward alternative complementary and herbal drugs, this study was carried out to determine the effect of Menastil on primary dysmenorrhea on students residing in Dormitories' universities of Saveh 2005. This placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial was performed on 72 single students between 18 and 26 years old with primary dysmenorrhea. Data were collected through a questionnaire which included demographic factors, exercise, stress factors, use of medicines, and the McGill pain ruler for determining of pain severity. Subjects were classified into two groups of moderate [4 pain severity. Subjects with scores of less than 4 were excluded from this study. All Subjects randomly allocated into two groups [1] the experimental group who received the vials of Menastil and [2] the placebo group. Two drops of Menastil [calendula+mint] was used topically during the menstruation in the form of an abdominal massage for two months. The placebo group received the same mode of treatment with the vials contained baby oil and mint. The menstrual cramp levels were assessed, using a visual analogue scale [McGill Ruler] and severity of dysmenorrheal was measured by a verbal multidimensional scoring system. Data were analyzed applying Freedman and Mann-Whitney statistical tests. Demographic characteristics [age, height, weight and menstrual status] were similar between two groups. The score of dysmenorrhaea reduced in both groups. The results showed that compared to placebo, Menastil decreased more the severity of dysmenorrhea so that the difference between two groups was significant [P<0.0001]. Also, the consumption of pain relief agents and the amount of menstrual bleeding decreased by Menastil therapy. Moreover, there was no side effect with this mode of treatment. The consumption of menastil decreases primary dysmenorrhea. The investigation of effects of long term consumption of menastil [6 months] is recommended