Effects of wheat germ extract on the systemic symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common disorders in women and causes impairment in work and social relationships. Considering dysmenorrhea adverse consequences and Considering the anti-inflammatory properties of wheat germ, this study aimed to determine the effects of wheat germ extract on the systemic symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea and menstrual bleeding. triple blind clinical trial study was conducted from June 1 to September 29, 2013 on 90 women working in hospitals affiliated to Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. The participants were matched before intervention for age, body mass index, income, menarche age, marital status and severity of systemic symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea, Then they using randomized table of numbers were randomly divided into two groups of 45 people. In wheat germ group, 400 mg capsules of wheat germ extract were used three times a day, from day 16 until the fifth day of the menstrual cycle. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as the Friedman test and Man Whitney test. In the wheat germ extract group there was a statistically significant difference in systemic symptoms associated with primary dysmenorrhea fatigue, headache and mood swings (P > 0.001). The results showed that wheat germ extract reduces the severity systemic symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea but is not effect on the menstrual bleeding and can be used to reduce the severity of systemic symptoms.