Research Publications on Magnesium for Menstrual Comfort

Magnesium supplementation has shown promising results in the management of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and primary dysmenorrhea, offering significant relief from symptoms such as mood changes, pain, and fluid retention.

Comparisons between magnesium and oral contraceptives highlight magnesium's efficacy in decreasing pelvic pain and the need for analgesics, although not as effectively as contraceptives. Studies further indicate magnesium's role in alleviating PMS-related mood and physical symptoms, with effects notable from the second cycle of administration.

The broad applicability of magnesium in gynecological health, including dysmenorrhea and PMS, underscores its potential as a non-invasive treatment option. Further research is encouraged to explore its full therapeutic benefits and optimal dosing strategies.

Investigation of Laboratory and Clinical Features of Primary Dysmenorrhea: Comparison of Magnesium and Oral Contraceptives in Treatment; Cureus, 2022; Link

GPT This prospective case-controlled study aimed to explore the characteristics of primary dysmenorrhea (PD) patients and compare the efficacy of 200 mg magnesium citrate (MgS) versus combination oral contraceptive (COC) therapy in treating PD. Involving 172 women with PD and a control group of 172 age-matched women without PD, the study divided PD patients into two treatment groups: one receiving 200 mg MgS and the other COC therapy. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) measured dysmenorrhea severity at baseline and after three months of treatment. Key findings include PD patients exhibiting more menstrual bleeding, a higher incidence of maternal dysmenorrhea, lower serum calcium, and vitamin D levels compared to controls. Post-treatment, the COC group showed significantly lower VAS scores and reduced need for painkillers compared to the MgS group. However, MgS treatment significantly decreased pelvic pain and the need for painkillers in PD patients, though not as effectively as COC therapy. The study highlights lower serum calcium and vitamin D levels in PD and indicates both MgS and COC as valuable treatments, with COC being more effective in reducing pain and analgesic use.

Oral magnesium successfully relieves premenstrual mood changes; Obstetrics And Gynecology, 1991; Link

GPT This study evaluated the effects of magnesium (Mg) supplementation on premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms in 32 women. Using a double-blind, randomized design, participants received either Mg or a placebo from the 15th day of their menstrual cycle until menstruation began, over two cycles. Results indicated significant improvements in PMS symptoms, particularly in mood changes, for those receiving Mg. Additionally, Mg levels increased in certain white blood cells but not in plasma or erythrocytes. The findings suggest Mg supplementation could be an effective treatment for mood-related PMS symptoms. 

Therapeutic effects of magnesium in dysmenorrhea; Schweiz Rundsch Med Prax, 1990; Link 

This randomized double-blind study evaluated magnesium's effects on primary dysmenorrhea in 32 women, analyzing results from 21 participants. Magnesium treatment slightly improved symptoms on the first day but significantly reduced back and lower abdominal pain on the second and third days of the menstrual cycle. The study also noted a marked decrease in work absences due to dysmenorrhea among those receiving magnesium. These findings suggest potential benefits of magnesium for dysmenorrhea, warranting further investigation in multicenter studies.

Magnesium supplementation alleviates premenstrual symptoms of fluid retention; Journal of Women's Health, 1998; Link

This study assessed the impact of a 200 mg daily magnesium oxide (MgO) supplement on premenstrual symptoms (PMS) severity through a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Over two menstrual cycles, 38 women took either the MgO supplement or a placebo, recording their symptoms across six categories (anxiety, craving, depression, hydration-related symptoms, other, and total symptoms) using a 4-point scale in a 22-item menstrual diary. The effectiveness of the magnesium supplementation was evaluated by comparing symptoms' severity and urinary magnesium output. The findings indicated that magnesium supplementation did not significantly affect any symptom category during the first month. However, in the second month, there was a notable reduction in hydration-related symptoms (PMS-H) such as weight gain, swelling of extremities, breast tenderness, and abdominal bloating with magnesium supplementation compared to the placebo (p = 0.009). Compliance with the supplementation regimen was confirmed through increased urinary magnesium output during the magnesium supplementation phase compared to the placebo phase (p = 0.013), with mean outputs of 100.8 mg and 74.1 mg, respectively. The study concludes that a daily supplement of 200 mg of magnesium oxide can reduce mild premenstrual symptoms related to fluid retention by the second cycle of administration.

Magnesium in the gynecological practice: a literature review; Magnesium Research, 2017; Link

This research systematically reviewed the evidence on the effectiveness of oral magnesium supplementation in treating various gynecological conditions, exploring its pharmacological mechanisms. The findings reveal that magnesium supplementation is beneficial in preventing and managing conditions such as dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menstrual migraines, and symptoms associated with menopause (climacteric symptoms). This suggests that magnesium plays a significant role in gynecological health, offering a non-invasive option for mitigating these common yet impactful conditions.

Pilot study of the efficacy and safety of a modified-release magnesium 250 mg tablet (Sincromag) for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome; Clinical Drug Investigation, 2007; Link

GPT This open-label study explored the efficacy and safety of a patented modified-release magnesium 250 mg tablet in alleviating premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms in women. Over three months, 41 women aged 18-45 with regular menstrual cycles and diagnosed with PMS (based on a PMS questionnaire score of ≥25) received the magnesium tablet from 20 days post-menstruation to the onset of their next period. The study found significant improvements in PMS symptoms, with the mean total PMS score, as determined by Moos' Modified Menstrual Distress Questionnaire, significantly decreasing after three months of treatment (p < 0.0001). Similarly, patient diaries reported substantial improvements across all subscales. The treatment led to a 35.1% reduction in total PMS scores according to investigators, and a 33.5% reduction according to patient assessments. The magnesium tablet was well-tolerated, with only one reported case of vertigo as a treatment-related side effect. The study concludes that modified-release magnesium is effective in reducing PMS symptoms, offering a promising treatment option for women with PMS.