The effect of omega 3 fatty acid supplementation on premenstrual syndrome and health-related quality of life: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Introduction: Most reproductive aged women suffer from somatic and mental disorders prior to menstruation. This study investigated whether omega-3 supplement improved premenstrual symptoms and health-related quality of life among reproductive aged women.

Methods: A multi-center, balanced (1:1), placebo-controlled, parallel-group randomized clinical trial was conducted in an urban academic institution. A sample consisting of 95 Iranian women aged 20–35 years who were suffering from premenstrual symptoms were randomly allocated into two groups. The treatment consisted of omega-3 supplement containing 1 g fish oil. Placebo was free of oil. The premenstrual symptoms’ screening tool and 12-item short form health survey questionnaire were used for data collection.

Results: No statistically significant differences in the baseline characteristics of the groups were reported. Most premenstrual symptoms and their interference with daily activities were significantly reduced over the follow-up period. The mean score of overeating in the omega-3 supplement group and insomnia in the placebo group showed no difference between the groups. The longer use of omega-3 supplement provides improvement of premenstrual symptoms and activities. The mean scores of physical and mental components of quality of life were significantly improved in the omega-3 supplement and placebo groups.

Discussion: The treatment of premenstrual symptoms using omega-3 supplement reduced symptoms and ameliorated women’s quality of life.

Keywords:

• Premenstrual syndrome
• omega-3
• quality of life

Acknowledgments

This study was part of a project to obtain MSc degree in Midwifery in Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran. The authors would like to express their gratitude to the participants that without their collaboration this study could not be performed.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.