The Effect of Fennel Juice on Primary Dysmenorrhea

Primary dysmenorrhea is described as pelvic pain around the time menstrual bleeding in the absence of an identifiable pathologic lesion. And its main treatment is non steroid anti-inflammatory drugs. Due to side effects of chemical drugs and traditionally use of fennel as sedative plant, the aim of this study was to detect the effect of Fenalgin on primary dysmenorrhea. A randomized double blind, placebo-controlled trial among 50 single female students who suffered from primary dysmenorrhea were selected. Then they were divided into 2 groups: experimental and control. The fenalgin group has received treatment for four times a day from the onset of bleeding and continued for three days for two consecutive menstrual periods. In the of Fenalgin group, pain severity was lower after treatment in comparison with to before treatment (P<0/00). Comparison of 2 groups showed that there was significant difference in pain severity in second cycle and reduction was greater in Fenalgin group (P<0/006). In the Fenalgin group, pain duration reduced at two months (P<0/00). Painkiller using was lower in comparison with before treatment in Fenalgin group but reduction was not significant in comparison with the control group. It seems that the Fenalgin can reduce the primary dysmenorrhea. The researches with more samples and longer times are suggested.