Category Archives: PMS/Dysmenorrhea

Krill oil vs fish oil to manage premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea

In this study, researchers at the University of Montreal, in Quebec, evaluated the response to alternative sources of omega-3 fatty acids (krill vs fish) in women with premenstrual syndrome.

A reader comments, and I reply. So, it’s back to the top of the queue for this post. Continue reading Krill oil vs fish oil to manage premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea

No support for chastetree during pregnancy and lactation

Chastetree (Vitex agnus castus) is a deciduous shrub used to treat a variety of gynecologic conditions, including menstrual irregularities.

Researchers from the University of Toronto and McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada reviewed the evidence as it pertains to its use by pregnant women. Continue reading No support for chastetree during pregnancy and lactation

Review of herbal medicines in gynecology

Dr. Cathi Dennehy from the Department of Clinical Pharmacy at the University of California San Francisco has reviewed the evidence.

I was surprised by her assessment of black cohosh for menopausal symptoms.

Here’s a summary of her findings.

Continue reading Review of herbal medicines in gynecology

Evaluating omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for joint pain

A literature review by two researchers at York University in Toronto “suggest[s] that omega-3 PUFAs are an attractive adjunctive treatment for joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and dysmenorrhea [painful menstruation].”

Results were positive for most measures of outcome.

Continue reading Evaluating omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for joint pain

A critical review of spinal manipulation

Spinal manipulation (SM) is a traditional treatment practiced by chiropractors, osteopaths, physiotherapists, and other healthcare providers mostly (but not exclusively) to treat musculoskeletal problems. SM can be described as the use of hands or force applied to the patient to achieve a therapeutic outcome.

The literature supports SM for treating back pain, but not much else.

Continue reading A critical review of spinal manipulation