Effects of Mefenamic Acid Versus Quince on Menorrhagia and Quality of Life: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the effects of mefenamic acid versus quince on menorrhagia and quality of life. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on women with menorrhagia. The participants were allocated into 2 groups through block randomization. The first group (n, 72) received quince pills, while the second group (n, 74) used mefenamic acid pills for 3 consecutive cycles. The participants completed the pictorial blood loss assessment chart (PBAC) before and during the intervention. Moreover, the short-form health survey (SF-36) was completed before and 3 months after the intervention. Results: The mean PBAC scores decreased significantly in both groups. The mean PBAC score in the quince group decreased from 173.6 (SD, 53.8) before the intervention to 116.7 (51.7), 86.4 (43.1), and 68.9 (36.4), respectively in the first, second, and third months after the intervention. The mean PBAC scores in the mefenamic acid group was 176.8 (54.3) at baseline and 106.6 (50.40), 81.6 (38.7), and 63.8 (33.8), respectively in the first, second, and third months after the intervention. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the mean PBAC score (P = 0.183). Similarly, after the intervention, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of physical health (P = 0.476) and mental health (P = 0.572) components of quality of life. Conclusions: Quince pills were as effective as mefenamic acid pills in reducing the intensity of menstrual bleeding. Therefore, they seem to be a proper alternative for mefenamic acid.