The effect of wheat germ extract on the severity of primary dysmenorrhea

Primary dysmenorrhea is one of the most common disorders in women, causing occupational dysfunction and school absenteeism. In view of the high prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea and its undesirable consequences on the quality of life, and due to the anti-inflammatory properties of wheat germ, this study was carried out to examine the effect of wheat germ extract on primary dysmenorrhea. Material and methods: The present study was conducted on 90 women employed at hospitals affiliated with Hamadan University of Medical Sciences using a triple blind controlled clinical trial method. The samples were divided into two 45-member groups; then, wheat germ extract 400 mg capsules or placebo was used three times a day for two consecutive months between the 16 th day until the 5 th day of the next menstrual cycle. The severity of the symptoms in each group and between the two groups was analyzed, respectively, with the Friedman and the Man-Whitney tests. Results: The severity of primary dysmenorrhea was alleviated in both groups after intervention. The alleviation was remarkably higher in the wheat germ extract group (p<0.001). Conclusion: The results of the present study confirm the positive effect of wheat germ extract on primary dysmenorrhea, showing that wheat germ extract can be used for easing the severity of primary dysmenorrhea.