Effects of magnesium and vitamin b6 on the severity of premenstrual syndrome symptoms

J Caring Sci. 2012 Nov 22;1(4):183-9. doi: 10.5681/jcs.2012.026. eCollection 2012 Dec.

Abstract

Introduction: The importance of resolving the problem of premenstrual syndrome for patients has been emphasized due to its direct and indirect economical effects on the society. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of magnesium and vitamin B6 on the severity of premenstrual syndrome in patients referring to health centers affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, during 2009-10.

Methods: This two-stage double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 126 women who were randomly allocated into 3 groups to receive magnesium, vitamin B6, or placebo. The study was performed in 10 selected health centers in Isfahan and lasted for 4 months. To confirm premenstrual syndrome, the participants were asked to complete a menstrual diary for 2 months at home. Drug interventions were continued for two cycles and the results of before and after the intervention were compared.

Results: The findings of this study showed that the mean scores of premenstrual syndrome significantly decreased after the intervention in all groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: According to our findings, vitamin B6 and placebo had the most and least efficiency in improving the mean premenstrual syndrome score.

Keywords: Magnesium; Placebo; Premenstrual syndrome; Premenstrual tension; Vitamin B6.