Complementary and alternative therapies in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea

Primary dysmenorrhea is a common gynecological condition among women. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been used for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea for centuries. These therapies lack the drawbacks associated with traditional symptomatic medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and oral contraceptives, which can increase the risk of adverse effects like mild neurological symptoms (headaches, drowsiness, dizziness) and gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, indigestion). This article reviews current CAM strategies for treating primary dysmenorrhea, including vitamins, herbal supplements, acupuncture, exercise, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), acupressure, and aromatherapy. The article analyzes the benefits and potential mechanisms of these therapies, aiming to provide practitioners with the most commonly used and widely recommended CAM methods. Finally, the review highlights future directions for dysmenorrhea treatment, including ongoing research and potential new therapies. The goal of this review is to provide a brief summary of the current literature on the most commonly used CAM approaches for patients with primary dysmenorrhea, as a comprehensive approach to managing primary dysmenorrhea and improving quality of life.