The Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Premenstrual Syndrome

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 M.Sc. of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition Sciences, Traditional and Complementary Medicine Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran.

3 Ph.D. of Biostatistics, Faculty of Health, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction: Effects of premenstrual syndrome on ordinary activities and quality of life of women is remarkable. This study was aimed to examine the effects of omega-3 fatty acid on premenstrual syndrome.
Methods: This double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 50 the single female students of Sabzevar university of medical sciences in year 2011. Participants with premenstrual syndrome were randomly divided into two groups. The first group received two oral doses of 1 gram capsules of omega-3 supplementation for two months. Similarly, the second group was given placebo. Premenstrual syndrome symptoms in both groups were assessed by self-report questionnaire before and after giving medications. Data were analyzed by SPSS Statistical software version 11.5 and statistical tests including: chi-square, t-test, and ANOVA. P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Mean age of students was 20.35±1.03 years old and mean age of first menstruation and menstrual pain and of them were respectively 13.47 ± 2.29, 12.26 ± 5.67, and body mass index 21.03 ± 2.40 kg/m2. The symptoms and their severity were decreased after 60 days of taking omega-3. In comparison with placebo, omega-3 had effectively improved feelings of anger, depression and inability in doing activities (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Omega-3 supplementation seems effective in reducing PMS symptoms.
 

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