Research Publications on Calcium for Menstrual Comfort

Calcium supplementation, both alone and combined with vitamin D, significantly improves symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in women. Clinical trials demonstrate that calcium effectively alleviates key PMS symptoms such as fatigue, appetite changes, and depression.

Effects of calcium supplement therapy in women with premenstrual syndrome; Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2009; Link

The study aimed to assess the efficacy of calcium supplementation in alleviating premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. Conducted as a double-blind clinical trial, it involved young female college students diagnosed with PMS. Participants were divided into two groups: one received a placebo, while the other received 500 mg of calcium carbonate twice daily for three months. Symptom severity, including early fatigability, appetite changes, and depression, was evaluated using a standard questionnaire before and after treatment. The findings revealed that the group treated with calcium supplements experienced significant improvements in early tiredness, appetite changes, and depressive symptoms compared to the placebo group. The study concluded that calcium supplementation effectively reduces key symptoms of PMS in women, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic option for managing PMS.

Effect of treatment with dydrogesterone or calcium plus vitamin D on the severity of premenstrual syndrome; International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 2009; Link

The study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of dydrogesterone and calcium plus vitamin D supplementation in alleviating severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. Conducted as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, it involved 180 Shiraz University students diagnosed with PMS. Participants documented their symptoms over two menstrual cycles, then were randomly assigned to receive either 5 mg dydrogesterone, 500 mg calcium plus 200 IU vitamin D, or a placebo, taken twice daily from the 15th to the 24th day of their menstrual cycle for two additional cycles. Symptom severity was assessed using questionnaires during the intervention. The results indicated that both dydrogesterone and calcium plus vitamin D supplementation similarly reduced PMS symptom severity (by 4.64% and 4.20% respectively), compared to a 3.42% decrease observed with placebo treatment. The conclusion drawn from these findings is that dydrogesterone and calcium plus vitamin D offer comparable benefits in reducing PMS symptoms, suggesting either treatment could be considered as an option for managing severe PMS.

A systematic review of the role of vitamin D and calcium in premenstrual syndrome; Obstetrics & Gynecology Science, 2019; Link

This systematic review assessed the impact of calcium and vitamin D on premenstrual syndrome (PMS) by analyzing 28 high-quality articles from various databases. It found that low serum levels of these nutrients during the luteal phase may contribute to PMS symptoms. Supplementation or dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D was recommended as an effective, low-risk, and cost-efficient approach to alleviate PMS symptoms, highlighting their significance in managing this common disorder among women of reproductive age. 

Calcium carbonate and the premenstrual syndrome: effects on premenstrual and menstrual symptoms. Premenstrual Syndrome Study Group; American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1998; Link 

The study aimed to assess the impact of calcium carbonate on premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms during the luteal and menstrual phases of the menstrual cycle. It was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter clinical trial involving healthy, premenopausal women aged 18 to 45 years from 12 outpatient centers across the United States. Participants, who had moderate-to-severe cyclically recurring premenstrual symptoms, were documented over two menstrual cycles using a daily rating scale with 17 core symptoms and 4 symptom factors (negative affect, water retention, food cravings, and pain). Participants were randomized to receive either 1200 mg of elemental calcium per day in the form of calcium carbonate or a placebo for three menstrual cycles. The primary outcome measured was the symptom complex score across 17 parameters. Out of 720 women screened, 497 were enrolled, and 466 were included in the efficacy analysis. The study found no significant differences between groups in demographic characteristics or baseline symptom scores. However, during the treatment phase, the calcium-supplemented group showed significantly lower mean symptom complex scores in the second and third treatment cycles compared to placebo, with a 48% overall reduction in total symptom scores by the third cycle, compared to a 30% reduction in the placebo group. All four symptom factors showed significant improvements by the third treatment cycle in the calcium group. The study concludes that calcium supplementation is an effective and simple treatment for PMS, significantly reducing overall luteal phase symptoms.