SUPPLEMENTATION WITH OMEGA-3 POLYUNSATURATED FATTY-ACIDS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DYSMENORRHEA IN ADOLESCENTS

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to examine whether dietary su pplementation with omega-3 fatty acids can relieve symptoms of dysmeno rrhea in adolescents. STUDY DESIGN: Forty-two adolescents with dysmeno rrhea were randomly allocated to two groups. In the first group 21 gir ls received fish oil (1080 mg icosapentaenoic acid, 720 mg docosahexae noic acid, and 1.5 mg vitamin E) daily for 2 months followed by a plac ebo for an additional 2 months. In the second group 21 girls received placebo for the first 2 months, followed by fish oil for 2 more months . The Cox Menstrual Symptom Scale was used to assess response to treat ment. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the Cox Menstr ual Symptom Scale between the two groups at baseline after 2 months of placebo administration. After 2 months of treatment with fish oil the re was a marked reduction in the Cox Menstrual Symptom Scale from a ba seline mean value of 69.9 to 44.0 (p < 0.0004). CONCLUSIONS: This stud y suggests that dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids has a beneficial effect on symptoms of dysmenorrhea in adolescents.