A Survey of Current Exercise and Nutritional Strategies for Management of Dysmenorrhea

Abstract

This study characterized exercise and nutritional strategies being used by women to manage dysmenorrhea. Women with self-reported menstrual pain (N = 182; age, 31.7 ± 8.9 years; 73% premenopausal; 44% contraceptive users; 66% White; 70% non-Hispanic) completed a web-based survey about the presence and severity of menstrual pain, pain management strategies (exercise, medications, nutrition, others), and perceived challenges to using nutrition for pain management. Menstrual pain was reported to be greatest on Day 1 of menstruation (mean: 6.6/10) and was “sometimes” (36%) or “often” (31%) disruptive to exercise. For exercise as a strategy to manage pain, 31% reported improvements, 23% reported no change, and 11% reported worsening of pain. A majority of women reported using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (71%) or other medications to manage pain (sometimes, 25%; often, 21%; always, 25%). Almost half of women (47%) reported using some other method to manage pain (sometimes, 22%; often, 15%; always, 10%), most often heat. Less women (18%) reported using dietary or herbal supplements (sometimes, 7%; often, 7%; always, 4%) or dietary changes (sometimes, 7%; often, 5%; always, 5%). The most common reasons for not using nutrition to manage menstrual pain included not knowing what to buy or what to try, had never tried, and being unsure about supplements. The level of pain women experience with dysmenorrhea is significant and disruptive to exercise participation. However, few women report using nutritional strategies due to being unsure of what to buy or try. Quality studies targeting nutritional menstrual pain management strategies are needed.