Introduction: Primary dysmenorrhea is a common disorder that occurs in 60-93% of women in menstrual age. There is no specific problem in the genital tract. The onset is in early stages of menstruation that may last by 2 to 3 days. Tranquilizers, herbal drugs and massaging are being used as treatment. Chamomile root may alleviate the pain, but scientific studies have not been done worldwide. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of Valeriana Officinalis and mefenamic acid on primary dysmenorrhea.
Methods: This clinical study was performed in two pre-university centers in Hamedan to compare the effects of Valeriana officinalis and mefenamic acid on primary dysmenorrheal. Students were randomly grouped into two groups each enrolling 54 students. Participants in study group of Valeriana Officinalis were given capsules of 250 milligram every 8 hour in the first 3 days of menstruation for a 2 month period and students in mefenamic acid group were given capsules of 250 milligram in similar way to the study group. Data were gathered by questionnaires,in three groups i.e data before any clinical intervention,one month and 2 months after clinical intervention. Data analysis was carried out using Wilcoxon and Chi-square tests.
Results: The mean pain scale in the Valeriana Officinalis group decreased from 7/08±1/01 to 3/68±1/32 and in the mefenamic acid group, it decreased from 7/68±1/21 to 3/06±1/67. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups and both Valeriana Officinalis and mefenamic acid were effective on primary dysmenorrhea.
Conclusion: The study finds Valeriana Officinalis is an effective therapy in relieving the pain of primary dysmenorrheal while not using synthetic drugs.