The Efficacy of Zinc Administration in the Treatment 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 clinical trial evaluated the efficacy of zinc supplementation in combination with mefenamic acid in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. The study compared the effectiveness of this combined treatment to mefenamic acid alone in reducing pain severity and the incidence of dysmenorrhea over a three-month period. Primary dysmenorrhea is characterized by painful menstrual cramps caused by uterine contractions, and zinc has been hypothesized to alleviate these symptoms by modulating prostaglandin metabolism and reducing inflammation.
Who was studied?
The study involved 200 female university students who had a history of primary dysmenorrhea. Participants were between the ages of 18 and 26, with regular menstrual cycles and no significant diseases. The students were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the intervention group received zinc supplementation (220 mg daily) along with mefenamic acid (250 mg three times daily), while the control group received mefenamic acid along with a placebo. Both groups were followed for three months, and pain levels were measured before and after treatment using a standardized pain scale.
Most important findings
The study found significant improvements in pain reduction in both groups, but the intervention group (zinc + mefenamic acid) showed a greater reduction in pain severity. The mean pain score in the intervention group decreased from 5.3 to 1.2, a change of 4.1, while in the control group, it decreased from 5.8 to 2.9, a change of 2.9. Moreover, 64% of women in the intervention group no longer experienced dysmenorrhea after treatment, compared to only 33% in the control group. These findings suggest that zinc supplementation, in combination with mefenamic acid, is more effective in reducing primary dysmenorrhea symptoms than mefenamic acid alone.
Key implications
The study suggests that zinc supplementation could be an effective adjunct to traditional treatments for primary dysmenorrhea. By enhancing the action of mefenamic acid, zinc not only reduces pain severity but also lowers the incidence of dysmenorrhea. This treatment combination could serve as a more holistic approach to managing dysmenorrhea, potentially reducing reliance on NSAIDs and their associated side effects. Clinicians may consider recommending zinc supplementation for patients with primary dysmenorrhea, particularly in cases where conventional treatments provide limited relief.
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.