Evaluation Effects of oral Aloe vera gel on the intensity of primery dysmenorrhea

  Introduction: Primary dysmenorrhea is a common gynecologic problem in teenage girls and women of reproductive age that has an adverse impact on women's quality of life. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of oral Aloe vera gel on the intensity of primary dysmenorrhea in students of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences.

  Materials and Method: This double – blind clinical trial was conducted over 80 students who suffered from primary dysmenorrhea. The subjects were matched in terms of dysmenorrhea severity. Then they were randomly divided into 2 groups of 40 subjects each. They were similar in age, menarche, body mass index, and length, and duration of bleeding. The subjects in the intervention group were given a bottle containing 120 cc Aloe vera gels for every cycle, and control group were given a bottle containing 120 cc placebos for every cycle, each. Subjects took one tablespoon of the given medicine every day, starting two days before menstruation until the first 3 days after the onset menstrual cycle for two successive cycles. Drug effects on dysmenorrhea severity were evaluated via verbal multidimensional scoring system. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and descriptive and inferential statistical testes.

  Results: Findings showed that there was a significant difference between aloe vera and placebo groups concerning the intensity of pain, number of Analgesics and amount of bleeding (P<0/05), but no significant difference was observed regarding the side effects (P>0/05).

  Conclusion: Aloe vera seems to reduce the severity of dysmenorrhea so it can be a replacement to non-steroid anti-inflammatory tablets.