The effectiveness of self-care and lifestyle interventions in primary dysmenorrhea: a systematic review and meta-analysis Original paper

What was studied?

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effectiveness of self-care and lifestyle interventions for managing primary dysmenorrhea, a common condition that causes menstrual pain. The study analyzed the impact of interventions such as exercise, heat therapy, and acupressure on menstrual pain intensity, duration, and analgesic usage. It included 23 trials with 2302 women, focusing on non-pharmacological, participant-led self-care strategies that women could administer independently. The study also compared these interventions to traditional analgesic treatments and placebo controls to assess their effectiveness in reducing pain and improving quality of life.

Who was studied?

The review included studies with women diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea, a condition characterized by painful menstrual cramps that occur in the absence of any underlying medical condition. The trials involved women of reproductive age, primarily adolescents and young adults, who self-reported menstrual pain. Studies from various countries, including Iran, Taiwan, and the USA, were included. The women in the trials used various self-care interventions, including exercise, yoga, acupressure, and heat therapy, to manage their menstrual pain. The total number of participants across all studies was 2302.

Most important findings

The meta-analysis revealed that all the self-care interventions examined (exercise, heat, and acupressure) led to significant reductions in menstrual pain. Exercise showed the largest effect, with a substantial reduction in pain intensity. Heat therapy and acupressure also showed moderate effects. In comparison to over-the-counter analgesics like ibuprofen, exercise and heat were more effective in reducing pain intensity. Acupressure, however, was found to be less effective than analgesic medication but still beneficial compared to no treatment. The interventions not only reduced pain intensity but also helped decrease the need for analgesics, highlighting their potential as effective alternatives or adjuncts to conventional medication.

Key implications

The findings suggest that self-care interventions like exercise, heat, and acupressure could be valuable tools for managing primary dysmenorrhea, especially for women who prefer non-pharmacological approaches or experience inadequate relief from medications. Exercise, particularly low-intensity activities like yoga and stretching, emerged as the most effective method for pain reduction. Heat therapy, despite its moderate effectiveness, can provide immediate pain relief and be easily implemented at home. Acupressure offers a low-risk alternative, though its efficacy is less compared to exercise and heat. These interventions may be recommended for individuals seeking a cost-effective, accessible, and non-invasive approach to managing menstrual pain.