Goals ›

Period pain

Cramps and other symptoms around a period, such as bloating and mood changes. Studies rate the pain and count the painkillers still needed.

Strongest evidence: Inositol, Ginger and Fennel.

Supplements for period pain

Each supplement gets the grade of its strongest period pain benefit. Open one to see each benefit.

StrongModerateWeakNo trials
SupplementMain effects in studiesEvidenceBenefits studied
InositolMenstrual regularity +59%, Ovulation/periods improvedStrong1 of 1
GingerPain↓ ~4.6, Bleeding↓ ~1.8dModerate1 of 1
FennelPain relief, less rest, 33-day cycles, less painModerate1 of 1
LicoriceMenstrual flow/prolactin, Cycle +42.9dModerate1 of 1
Pueraria MirificaVaginal comfort ↑, Atrophy/cell maturation +25Moderate1 of 1
CalciumPMS symptoms down, Pain −1.6 VASModerate1 of 1
Flaxseed OilHormone/metabolic relief, TG -22 mg/dLModerate1 of 1
MotherwortBleeding ↓; PPH -21%, Post-CS blood loss ↓Moderate1 of 1
Clary SageCramps −2.5, Pain duration −0.6dWeak1 of 1
MyrrhPain ↓; cramps, Dose-response +28.6%Weak1 of 1
Showing 10 of 16 supplements.

What period pain covers

One benefit that studies measure, and the supplements with the strongest evidence for each.

Menstrual comfort

Period pain and the symptoms around a period, including cramps, bloating and mood. It is measured by rated pain, by how many days symptoms last, and by painkillers still needed.

16 supplements, 1 strong
  1. InositolStrong, 14
  2. GingerModerate, 10
  3. FennelModerate, 4
  4. LicoriceModerate, 4
  5. Pueraria MirificaModerate, 4