Primary Dysmenorrhea in Relation to Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Status: A Systematic Review of Case-Control Studies 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 systematic review examined the relationship between oxidative stress, antioxidant status, and inflammation markers in women with primary dysmenorrhea. The review synthesized findings from six case-control studies to understand the role of oxidative stress and antioxidant markers in this common gynecological disorder, focusing on markers such as lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide (NO), and various antioxidants.
Who was studied?
The studies included 175 women diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea and 161 controls. The participants were predominantly from Turkey, with one study from Nigeria. The women with dysmenorrhea were diagnosed based on clinical symptoms, including fluctuating, spasmodic menstrual cramps, typically associated with the onset of menstruation. The control group consisted of women without any menstrual pain or related symptoms. The mean ages of the women in the case and control groups ranged from 20 to 27 years.
Most important findings
The review found elevated levels of oxidative stress markers, particularly malondialdehyde (MDA), a product of lipid peroxidation, in women with primary dysmenorrhea compared to controls. Additionally, increased nitric oxide (NO) levels were consistently found in the dysmenorrhea group, which could indicate endothelial dysfunction. In contrast, the evidence regarding antioxidant status was less clear. Some studies indicated lower levels of antioxidants like vitamin E and total antioxidant status (TAS) in dysmenorrheal women, while others found no significant differences. The inflammation marker high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) was studied in one study but showed no significant differences between the groups.
Key implications
The findings suggest that oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of primary dysmenorrhea. Elevated lipid peroxidation and NO levels point to potential mechanisms involving endothelial dysfunction and inflammatory processes. Although antioxidant deficiencies were observed, the limited number of studies and markers assessed prevents definitive conclusions. These findings highlight the potential for therapeutic interventions targeting oxidative stress and antioxidants to alleviate symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea, though more research is needed to confirm these effects.
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.