The effect of probiotics on quality of life in women with primary
dysmenorrhoea: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the effects of 3-month supplementation with
oral probiotics on quality of life in young women with primary
dysmenorrhoea Design Randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial
Setting A tertiary university hospital in Malaysia Population Women aged
18 to 45 years old suffering from primary dysmenorrhoea Methods: 72
patients were randomized to receive either oral sachets containing
Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus lactis,
Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium longum, and Bifidobacterium
infantis 107 mg each or placebo twice daily for three months. Main
outcome measures Visual Analog Score (VAS) of pain, Verbal Rating Scale
(VRS) of severity, frequency of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs) use, and quality of life (QoL) scores derived from Short Form
12 item version 2 (SF12v2) questionnaire Results Both groups showed
improvement in quality of life scores. There was a non-statistically
significant lower NSAIDs use in probiotic group compared to placebo
group (median 1 vs 2, p-value = 0.26). Placebo group showed better
severity score (VRS) on day 2 of menses compared to probiotic group
(median 0 vs 1, p-value <0.05). No difference in other quality
of life scores was noted. In subgroup of non-NSAIDs users, the pain
score (VAS) was lower in the probiotic group compared to placebo, which
was not statistically significant (p-value = 0.59) Conclusion Probiotic
supplement may reduce NSAIDs use in women with primary dysmenorrhoea
Funding This study receives supply of the oral probiotic sachets and
placebo from the manufacturing company Hexbio Sdn Bhd Keywords Primary
dysmenorrhea, probiotics, quality of life, menstrual disorders