Case Study: Dysmenorrhea

CASE

RD is a 24-year-old woman who comes in looking for an OTC option to decrease her menstrual pain. She has had pain every month during her menstrual cycle for the past 10 years. RD typically takes ibuprofen before and during her menstrual cycle to decrease pain. She complains of a dull ache with spasmodic cramping in her midabdominal area. RD has seen a physician, who gave her a diagnosis of primary dysmenorrhea around her menstrual cycle. He recommended that she take ibuprofen as needed for pain. RD read online that fish oil, in addition to being good for heart health, can help decrease menstrual pain. What recommendation do you have regarding fish oil?

ANSWER

Omega-3 fish oil has proven benefits in patients who suffer from high triglycerides. In addition, limited data are available on its use for many other conditions, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, dysmenorrhea, heart failure, and hypertension. Regarding dysmenorrhea, the results of one study evaluated the use of fish oil compared with a placebo. The authors concluded that the intensity and duration of pain decreased with fish oil compared with a placebo. Another study evaluated omega-3 fish oil as well as vitamin E compared with a placebo. The study results showed that both supplements effectively relieved menstrual pain. However, the combination reduces the pain significantly (P <.05). Overall, individuals can safely use fish oil in doses of 3 g a day and less. It has been generally recognized as safe in the United States. Therefore, RD can try taking fish oil to see whether it helps with her dysmenorrhea.