Effectiveness of the natural compounds for the treatment of dysmenorrhea: A narrative overview

Dysmenorrhea is a prevalent condition among women of reproductive age, causing significant pelvic pain during menstruation. While conventional treatments such as NSAIDs and hormonal contraceptives are commonly used, they may cause side effects, leading to interest in alternative therapies. This review investigates the potential of natural compounds and complementary treatments in alleviating dysmenorrhea symptoms, comparing their effectiveness and safety to standard pharmacological treatments. Search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, focusing on human studies involving natural compounds and alternative therapies for dysmenorrhea. Both clinical trials and observational studies were included. Several natural compounds were identified with potential benefits for managing dysmenorrhea. Herbal remedies such as ginger, fennel, and chamomile demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects and pain reduction. Omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium supplements showed significant efficacy in reducing pain intensity. Complementary therapies, including acupuncture and psychological support, were also highlighted as effective in enhancing pain relief and improving overall well-being. Natural compounds and complementary therapies offer promising, safer alternatives to conventional treatments for dysmenorrhea. Further research is needed to validate their long-term efficacy and establish clear clinical guidelines. While natural compounds offer a promising alternative for dysmenorrhea management, particularly for patients unresponsive to NSAIDs, the current evidence base is limited by small sample sizes and methodological heterogeneity. Future research must prioritize large-scale, rigorously designed randomized controlled trials to establish standardized dosing, long-term safety profiles, and definitive clinical guidelines. Integrating these approaches, especially when combined with psychological support, could significantly improve the quality of life for women suffering from dysmenorrhea.