Comparing the Effect of Chamomile and Mefenamic Acid on Primary Dysmenorrhea Symptoms and Menstrual Bleeding: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Dysmenorrhea in young women reduces their quality of life. Objectives: This research reviewed the impact of chamomile sachet and mefenamic acid on primary dysmenorrhea, its relevant symptoms as well as bleeding. Methods: Two hundred female students afflicted with primary dysmenorrhea from Arak universities were randomly assigned to two groups and participated in this randomized clinical trial. The first group (A) received mefenamic acid (250 mg) and the second group (B) received chamomile (5000 mg) three times a day in two consecutive cycles from two days before up to the first three days after menstruation. Intensity of pain, related symptoms and bleeding were evaluated by visual analog scale, Andersch-Milsom Verbal Scale and Higham chart, respectively. Data analysis was performed by SPSS 21. Results: Severe pain lasting two months after intervention was observed in 6 subjects (6.3%) of group (B) as well as 6 participants (6.3%) in group (A) (p=0.351, p=0.332). Two months after treatment, mean severity of related symptoms was 4.93±3.54 in group (B) and 5.62±3.54 in group (A), which shows further reduction of pain in group (B) that was not significant (p=0.278). Two months later, mean of bleeding was 88.71±66.4 and 70.54 ±53. 34 in group (B) and (A), respectively. Thus, the decrease of pain in the two groups was not significant (p=0.567). Conclusion: It appears that chamomile sachet can decrease the severity of pain and bleeding, which is similar to the effect of mefenamic acid and even further alleviates the symptoms of dysmenorrhea. (IRCT code no. 20161008250B1N5).