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Journal of Education and Health... 2021Recent studies have reported inconclusive results regarding the therapeutic effects of Rosa damascena on the outcomes of primary dysmenorrhea (PD) and premenstrual... (Review)
Review
Recent studies have reported inconclusive results regarding the therapeutic effects of Rosa damascena on the outcomes of primary dysmenorrhea (PD) and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Hence, this study is aimed to summarize the findings of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the effects of this treatment on menstruation-related pain as the primary outcome and menstruation-related headache, fatigue, anxiety, and bloating as the secondary outcomes. This study evaluated parallel-group and cross-over RCTs on aromatherapy, topical treatment, or oral intake of R. damascena products for the treatment groups versus placebo, nontreated, or conventional treatment groups. Seven electronic databases (Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, SID, and MagIran) and one search engine (PubMed) were searched from inception to January 15, 2021. Of 1468 trials found in the initial search, 983 potentially relevant articles were screened by title and abstract. After examining the full-text of 13 studies for compliance with the inclusion criteria, seven studies were considered eligible for this review. A random-effects model was used to pool the data; otherwise, a narrative summary was presented. The retrieved studies were conducted on females with PD or PMS, aged 18-35 years. The total sample size of the intervention and comparator arms was 276 and 272. The results showed that R. damascena had a nonsignificant alleviating effect on the menstruation-related pain (weighted mean difference [WMD]: -0.47; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.25, 0.31; = 0.234). Such findings were also found for menstruation-related anxiety (WMD: -0.40; 95% CI: -0.91, 0.11; = 0.125). However, the treatment significantly reduced the menstruation-related headache (WMD: -0.42; 95% CI: -0.74, -0.11; = 0.008), fatigue (WMD: -0.48; 95% CI: -0.87, -0.09; = 0.015), and bloating (WMD: -0.72; 95% CI: -1.21, -0.22; = 0.005). Since R. damascena had no significant effects on menstruation-related pain and anxiety, further studies with improved methodological quality are suggested to evaluate the effects of the treatment on these symptoms, using different dosages and durations.
PubMed: 34485569
DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_18_21 -
Fertility and Sterility Feb 1998To review the literature on menstrual and hormonal changes in women who under go tubal sterilization. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To review the literature on menstrual and hormonal changes in women who under go tubal sterilization.
DESIGN
A systematic review through MEDLINE and a literature search identified more than 200 articles in the English literature from which the most relevant were selected for this review.
RESULT(S)
Many authors have investigated the sequelae of female sterilization. Increased premenstrual distress, heavier and more prolonged menstrual bleeding, and increased dysmenorrhea have been reported. However, failure to control for age, parity, obesity, previous contraceptive use, interval since sterilization, or type of sterilization may have affected study results. Most studies that have controlled for these important variables have not reported significant changes, except in women who undergo sterilization between 20 and 29 years of age.
CONCLUSION(S)
Tubal sterilization is not associated with an increased risk of menstrual dysfunction, dysmenorrhea, or increased premenstrual distress in women who undergo the procedure after age 30 years. There may be some increased risk for younger women, although they do not appear to undergo significant hormonal changes.
Topics: Age Factors; Female; Hormones; Humans; Menstrual Cycle; Menstruation Disturbances; Postoperative Complications; Sterilization, Tubal; Syndrome
PubMed: 9496325
DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(97)00229-x -
American Journal of Obstetrics and... Dec 2021Combined oral contraceptives are often considered a treatment option for women with premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorder also seeking contraception,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Efficacy of combined oral contraceptives for depressive symptoms and overall symptomatology in premenstrual syndrome: pairwise and network meta-analysis of randomized trials.
OBJECTIVE
Combined oral contraceptives are often considered a treatment option for women with premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorder also seeking contraception, but evidence for this treatment is scarce. We aimed to determine (1) the level of evidence for the efficacy of combined oral contraceptives in managing premenstrual depressive symptoms and overall premenstrual symptomatology and (2) the comparative efficacy of combined oral contraceptives (the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews registration number CRD42020205510).
DATA SOURCES
We searched Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, EMCare, and Embase from inception to June 3, 2021.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
All randomized clinical trials that evaluated the efficacy of combined oral contraceptives in women with premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorder were considered eligible for inclusion in this meta-analysis.
STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS
A random effect Bayesian pairwise and network meta-analysis was conducted with change in premenstrual depressive symptoms and overall premenstrual symptomatology between baseline and 3 cycles as outcome. Certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.
RESULTS
Of 3664 records, 9 eligible trials were included that studied 1205 women with premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (mean age per study range, 24.6-36.5 years). The pairwise meta-analysis revealed that combined oral contraceptives were more efficacious than placebo in treating overall premenstrual symptomatology (standardized mean difference, 0.41; 95% credible interval, 0.17-0.67), but not premenstrual depressive symptoms specifically (standardized mean difference, 0.22; 95% credible interval, -0.06 to 0.47). However, none of the combined oral contraceptives were more effective than each other in reducing premenstrual depressive symptoms and overall premenstrual symptomatology.
CONCLUSION
Combined oral contraceptives may improve overall premenstrual symptomatology in women with premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorder, but not premenstrual depressive symptoms. There is no evidence for one combined oral contraceptive being more efficacious than any other.
Topics: Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; Female; Humans; Network Meta-Analysis; Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 34224688
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.06.090 -
International Journal of Women's Health 2022Premenstrual symptoms in women of reproductive age are associated with substantial distress and functional impairments. A healthy lifestyle is the first step to manage... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Premenstrual symptoms in women of reproductive age are associated with substantial distress and functional impairments. A healthy lifestyle is the first step to manage premenstrual symptoms. Recreational physical activities have been recommended as an alternative to medical management in easing premenstrual symptoms.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this systematic review is to analyze the effects of aerobic exercises in improving premenstrual symptoms among healthy women.
METHODS
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from inception to February 2022, were searched using keywords in electronic databases such as, SCOPUS, PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane and web of science. RCTs published in English, comparing the effects of aerobic exercise with other interventions or controls were included. PEDro scale and Cochrane collaboration tool for risk of bias was used to assess the methodological quality of included trials. Data from the included study and the participant's characteristics, interventions, outcome and results were extracted.
RESULTS
Five RCTs with 492 participants were included in this systematic review. Methodological quality assessed by PEDro (4.8/10) and Cochrane collaboration tool for risk of bias were moderate. Allocation concealment, blinding of participants and outcome assessors were the most common bias in all included studies. Walking, swimming and running were the common aerobic exercises performed in the RCTs. Aerobic exercise is effective in improving physical physiological symptoms among women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
CONCLUSION
Aerobic exercises are effective in improving premenstrual symptoms. This review provides moderate evidence for improving hematological parameters during PMS. Further RCTs with long term follow up and quality of life would consolidate our findings.
PubMed: 35996479
DOI: 10.2147/IJWH.S371193 -
Obstetrics & Gynecology Science Mar 2020[This corrects the article on p. 73 in vol. 62, PMID: 30918875.].
[This corrects the article on p. 73 in vol. 62, PMID: 30918875.].
PubMed: 32206663
DOI: 10.5468/ogs.2020.63.2.213 -
Journal of Integrative Medicine Jul 2015Throughout the past three decades, increased scientific attention has been given to examining saffron's (Crocus sativus L.) use as a potential therapeutic or preventive... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Throughout the past three decades, increased scientific attention has been given to examining saffron's (Crocus sativus L.) use as a potential therapeutic or preventive agent for a number of health conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and depression.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this systematic review is to examine and categorize the current state of scientific evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the efficacy of saffron on psychological/behavioral outcomes.
SEARCH STRATEGY
Electronic and non-electronic systematic searches were conducted to identify all relevant human clinical research on saffron. The search strategy was extensive and was designed according to the "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)." Reference lists of articles that met the inclusion criteria were searched. Only English language studies were reviewed.
INCLUSION CRITERIA
Saffron trials in combination with other substances and saffron safety studies were considered, in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Included studies must have a control group. Included studies must measure a physiological and/or a behavioral outcome.
DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS
The methodological quality of all included studies was independently evaluated by two reviewers using the Jadad score. Mean scores and P-values of measures were compared both inter- and intra-study for each parameter (i.e., depression).
RESULTS
Twelve studies met our inclusion criteria. These studies examined the effects of saffron on psychological/behavioral outcomes of: major depressive disorder (n=6), premenstrual syndrome (n = 1), sexual dysfunction and infertility (n=4), and weight loss/snacking behaviors (n=1). The data from these studies support the efficacy of saffron as compared to placebo in improving the following conditions: depressive symptoms (compared to anti-depressants and placebo), premenstrual symptoms, and sexual dysfunction. In addition, saffron use was also effective in reducing excessive snacking behavior.
CONCLUSION
Findings from initial clinical trials suggest that saffron may improve the symptoms and the effects of depression, premenstrual syndrome, sexual dysfunction and infertility, and excessive snacking behaviors. Larger multi-site clinical trials are needed to extend these preliminary findings.
Topics: Behavior; Crocus; Depressive Disorder, Major; Humans; Phytotherapy; Plant Preparations; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 26165367
DOI: 10.1016/S2095-4964(15)60176-5 -
Journal of Alternative and... Sep 2008On November 8-9, 2007, the Society for Acupuncture Research (SAR) hosted an international conference to mark the tenth anniversary of the landmark National Institutes of...
On November 8-9, 2007, the Society for Acupuncture Research (SAR) hosted an international conference to mark the tenth anniversary of the landmark National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference on Acupuncture. More than 300 acupuncture researchers, practitioners, students, funding agency personnel, and health policy analysts from 20 countries attended the SAR meeting held at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. This paper summarizes important invited lectures in the area of clinical research. Specifically, included are: a review of the recently conducted German trials and observational studies on low-back pain (LBP), gonarthrosis, migraine, and tension-type headache (the Acupuncture Research Trials and the German Acupuncture Trials, plus observational studies); a systematic review of acupuncture treatment for knee osteoarthritis (OA); and an overview of acupuncture trials in neurologic conditions, LBP, women's health, psychiatric disorders, and functional bowel disorders. A summary of the use of acupuncture in cancer care is also provided. Researchers involved in the German trials concluded that acupuncture is effective for treating chronic pain, but the correct selection of acupuncture points seems to play a limited role; no conclusions could be drawn about the placebo aspect of acupuncture, due to the design of the studies. Overall, when compared to sham, acupuncture did not show a benefit in treating knee OA or LBP, but acupuncture was better than a wait-list control and standard of care, respectively. In women's health, acupuncture has been found to be beneficial for patients with premenstrual syndrome, dysmenorrhea, several pregnancy-related conditions, and nausea in females who have cancers. Evidence on moxibustion for breech presentation, induction of labor, and reduction of menopausal symptoms is still inconclusive. In mental health, evidence for acupuncture's efficacy in treating neurologic and functional bowel disorder is still inconclusive. For chronic cancer-related problems such as pain, acupuncture may work well in stand-alone clinics; however, for acute or treatment-related symptoms, integration of acupuncture care into a busy and complex clinical environment is unlikely, unless compelling evidence of a considerable patient benefit can be established.
Topics: Acupuncture Therapy; Animals; Biomedical Research; Clinical Trials as Topic; Delivery of Health Care, Integrated; Diagnostic Techniques, Neurological; Europe; Evidence-Based Medicine; Forecasting; Humans; Interdisciplinary Communication; Nervous System Diseases; Societies, Medical; United States
PubMed: 18803496
DOI: 10.1089/acm.2008.SAR-4 -
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) Apr 2006To evaluate factors predisposing women to chronic and recurrent pelvic pain. DESIGN, DATA SOURCES, AND METHODS: Systematic review of relevant studies without language... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate factors predisposing women to chronic and recurrent pelvic pain. DESIGN, DATA SOURCES, AND METHODS: Systematic review of relevant studies without language restrictions identified through Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library. SCISEARCH, conference papers, and bibliographies of retrieved primary and review articles. Two reviewers independently extracted data on study characteristics, quality, and results. Exposure to risk factors was compared between women with and without pelvic pain. Results were pooled within subgroups defined by type of pain and risk factors.
RESULTS
There were 122 studies (in 111 articles) of which 63 (in 64,286 women) evaluated 54 risk factors for dysmenorrhoea, 19 (in 18,601 women) evaluated 14 risk factors for dyspareunia, and 40 (in 12,040 women) evaluated 48 factors for non-cyclical pelvic pain. Age < 30 years, low body mass index, smoking, earlier menarche (< 12 years), longer cycles, heavy menstrual flow, nulliparity, premenstrual syndrome, sterilisation, clinically suspected pelvic inflammatory disease, sexual abuse, and psychological symptoms were associated with dysmenorrhoea. Younger age at first childbirth, exercise, and oral contraceptives were negatively associated with dysmenorrhoea. Menopause, pelvic inflammatory disease, sexual abuse, anxiety, and depression were associated with dyspareunia. Drug or alcohol abuse, miscarriage, heavy menstrual flow, pelvic inflammatory disease, previous caesarean section, pelvic pathology, abuse, and psychological comorbidity were associated with an increased risk of non-cyclical pelvic pain.
CONCLUSION
Several gynaecological and psychosocial factors are strongly associated with chronic pelvic pain. Randomised controlled trials of interventions targeting these potentially modifiable factors are needed to assess their clinical relevance in chronic pelvic pain.
Topics: Chronic Disease; Dysmenorrhea; Dyspareunia; Female; Humans; Pelvic Pain; Regression Analysis; Risk Factors
PubMed: 16484239
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.38748.697465.55 -
Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology Jul 2021Women's increased risk for depression during reproductive transitions suggests an involvement of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis. This is the first... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Women's increased risk for depression during reproductive transitions suggests an involvement of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of HPO functioning in female mood disorders. Inclusionary criteria were: i) women suffering from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) or a depressive disorder, ii) assessment of HPO-axis related biomarkers, iii) a case-control design. Sixty-three studies (N = 5,129) were included. There was evidence for PMDD to be paralleled by lower luteal oestradiol levels. Women with depression unrelated to reproductive transition showed lower testosterone levels than healthy controls and there was some evidence for lower dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels. There were no differences in HPO-related parameters between women with pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopausal depression and controls. Women with PMDD and depression unrelated to reproductive transitions exhibit specific changes in the HPO-axis, which potentially contribute to their symptoms. Further research into reproductive mood disorders characterised by extreme endocrine changes is warranted.
Topics: Female; Hormones; Humans; Mood Disorders; Pregnancy; Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder; Premenstrual Syndrome
PubMed: 34171352
DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100929 -
The Journal of Family Planning and... Oct 2003Acupuncture as a therapy, and acupressure as self-treatment, are increasingly widely used for gynaecological conditions, and this study aims to review the scientific... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Acupuncture as a therapy, and acupressure as self-treatment, are increasingly widely used for gynaecological conditions, and this study aims to review the scientific literature on their effectiveness.
METHOD
A systematic review of controlled trials of acupuncture or acupressure for gynaecological conditions, published in a European language.
SYNTHESIS
No studies in mastalgia, menorrhagia, pelvic pain, premenstrual syndrome or vulvodynia met the inclusion criteria. Four studies, two of which were patient-blinded, of acupuncture or acupressure for dysmenorrhoea suggest that it may have an effect. Three studies of acupuncture given at various stages of infertility treatment are promising, but none was patient-blind. Two studies of acupuncture for menopausal symptoms showed no effect during the treatment period when compared with sham acupuncture, and a third study showed no effect on hypertension in postmenopausal women, though some improvement in symptoms was noted.
CONCLUSION
In view of the small number of studies and their variable quality, doubt remains about the effectiveness of acupuncture for gynaecological conditions. Acupuncture and acupressure appear promising for dysmenorrhoea, and acupuncture for infertility, and further studies are justified.
Topics: Acupuncture Therapy; Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic; Dysmenorrhea; Europe; Female; Humans; Hypertension; Infertility, Female; Menopause; Research Design; Women's Health
PubMed: 14662058
DOI: 10.1783/147118903101197863