The effects of vitamin D and calcium on primary dysmenorrhea: a systematic review

Abstract

Dysmenorrhea, affecting approximately 80% of adolescents, significantly impairs quality of life, disrupts sleep patterns, and induces mood changes. Furthermore, its economic impact is substantial, accounting for an estimated $200 billion in the United States and $4.2 million in Japan annually. This review aimed to identify the effects of vitamin D and calcium on primary dysmenorrhea. We conducted a comprehensive literature search across Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct, focusing on studies published from 2010 to 2020. Keywords included 'primary dysmenorrhea', 'vitamin D', '25-OH vitamin D3', 'cholecalciferol', and 'calcium'. The quality assessment of the articles was done using the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) and the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklists, and the risk bias was assessed using the Cochrane assessment tool. Abnormal low Vit. D levels increased the severity of primary dysmenorrhea through increased prostaglandins and decreased calcium absorption. Vitamin D and calcium supplements could reduce the severity of primary dysmenorrhea and the need for analgesics. This systematic review found an inverse relation between the severity of dysmenorrhea and low serum Vit. D and calcium.. Vitamin D and calcium supplements could reduce the severity of primary dysmenorrhea and the need for analgesics.

Keywords: 25-OH Vit. D3: 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3; BMI: Body Mass Index; Ca: Calcium; Calcium; IU: International Unit; NRS: Numeric Rating Scale; NSAIDs: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs; PGDs: Prostaglandins; PTH: Parathyroid Hormone; VAS: Visual Analogue Scale; VDR: Vitamin D Receptor; VIPS: Verbal Intensity Pain Scale; Vit. D: Vitamin D; Vit. E: Vitamin E; dysmenorrhea; vitamin D.

Figure 1

The PRISMA flowchart