Food impact on primary dysmenorrhea

Abstract

This literature review explores how different food components affect Primary dysmenorrhea (PD). Various sources points to the hypothesis, that some foods and micronutrients may act as anti- inflammatory and alleviates menstrual pain by decreasing inflammatory markers (CRP and Interleukin- 6) and hormone- like substances such as prostaglandin. Likewise, there are pro inflammatory components that should be avoided due to the exacerbation of menstrual pain since they trigger inflammatory responses during PD. It is important to highlight these nutritional and dietary interventions that are beneficial for PD. Nowadays pharmacological management of PD includes NSAIDS and COC that comes along with numerous side effects. Therefore, focusing from a nutrition- based perspective (that normally will not cause any adverse effect) would be more beneficial for any women that struggles with PD.