Efficacy of Zinc Supplementation in the Management of Primary Dysmenorrhea Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Primary Dysmenorrhea
Primary Dysmenorrhea
Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is painful menstrual cramps without underlying pelvic pathology, predominantly caused by elevated prostaglandins inducing uterine contractions and ischemia. Managing primary dysmenorrhea (PD) requires understanding its complex mechanisms involving prostaglandins, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Treatments include NSAIDs, hormonal therapies, and promising complementary options like probiotics, vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, exercise, yoga, acupuncture, and massage, significantly improving women's quality of life.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis that investigates the efficacy of zinc supplementation in managing primary dysmenorrhea (PD). Primary dysmenorrhea is a common condition marked by painful menstrual cramps that occur without an underlying pelvic pathology. The researchers aimed to assess the impact of zinc supplementation on pain severity and associated symptoms, with a focus on the dosage and treatment duration.
Who was studied?
The study reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that included women diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea. Participants were predominantly adolescent and young adult females, particularly university students from regions where zinc deficiency is more prevalent. The trials considered different zinc dosages and the duration of treatment, focusing on their impact on reducing pain severity in women experiencing dysmenorrhea.
Most important findings
Zinc supplementation was found to significantly reduce the severity of menstrual pain compared to placebo. The meta-analysis revealed that doses as low as 7 mg/day of elemental zinc were sufficient to achieve clinically significant pain relief, and longer treatment durations (≥8 weeks) led to more substantial reductions in pain. Additionally, the study demonstrated that zinc supplementation had a favorable safety profile, with only mild side effects like gastrointestinal discomfort being reported. No significant difference in adverse events between the zinc and placebo groups was observed. The findings also suggested that zinc may exert its effects by modulating oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, particularly through the inhibition of prostaglandin production and enhancement of uterine microcirculation.
Key implications
The findings suggest that zinc supplementation is an effective and well-tolerated option for managing primary dysmenorrhea, with notable improvements in pain severity after regular use. Given its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, zinc presents a promising non-pharmacological approach to pain relief in women with PD. The study supports the use of lower zinc doses as a practical and safe intervention, though further research is needed to explore the long-term effects and broader applicability across diverse populations.
Primary Dysmenorrhea
Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is painful menstrual cramps without underlying pelvic pathology, predominantly caused by elevated prostaglandins inducing uterine contractions and ischemia. Managing primary dysmenorrhea (PD) requires understanding its complex mechanisms involving prostaglandins, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Treatments include NSAIDs, hormonal therapies, and promising complementary options like probiotics, vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, exercise, yoga, acupuncture, and massage, significantly improving women's quality of life.