Effect of hydro alcoholic extract of Achillea Millefolium on menorrhagia

Menorrhagia refers to heavy menstrual cycles in which bleeding has or prolonged. Menorrhagia is a common cause for referral to gynecology clinics and about 30% of women at reproductive age experience it. Heavy menstrual bleeding has a negative impact on the quality of life in terms of physical, psychological and social health. Therefore, this study was performed with aim to determine the effect of hydro alcoholic extract ofAchillea Millefoliumon women's menorrhagia.
This triple-blind clinical trials study with control group was performed on 90 women who referred to health clinics, Arak University of Medical Sciences in 2015-2016. After one cycle of controlling menstrual bleeding, the subjects were randomly assigned to two groups of test and control. For both groups, 2 Mefenamic acid capsule (250 mg) was administered every 8 hours from the first day of menstruation up to the end of it for seven days for two consecutive cycles. For test group, in addition to Mefenamic acid, 2 Achillea Mille folium capsules was administered every 12 hours from the first day of menstruation up to the end of it for seven days. In control group, combination of mefnamic acid and placebo was administered with same dose and order. Data on the amount and duration of menstrual bleeding were analyzed using PBLAC chart. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version20) and independent t-test, Mann-Whitney and Friedman tests. P<0.001 was considered statistically significant.
In the inter-comparison of the amount and duration of menstrual bleeding before and after treatment, the amount of bleeding was significantly reduced (p<0.001); this decrease was significantly more in Achillea Mille folium group than the control group (p=0.036). The duration of menstrual bleeding was also significantly reduced in both groups (p<0.001). The decrease in duration of menstrual bleeding was significantly more in Achillea Mille folium group than the control group (p=0.042).
The hydro alcoholic extract ofAchillea mille folium capsule is effective in reducing the
amount and duration of menstrual bleeding in women of reproductive age. Achillea mille folium due to less complications and no hormonal effects can be effective in treatment of menorrhagia.