Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin E (mixed alpha-tocopherol)
For the health condition: Dysmenorrhea
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Vitamin E (mixed alpha-tocopherol) has been studied for its potential benefit in supporting or treating dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). Several randomized, placebo-controlled trials have investigated the effect of Vitamin E supplementation in women with primary dysmenorrhea. These studies generally used doses of 100-400 IU per day, administered a few days before and during menstruation. Results have shown modest reductions in pain intensity and duration compared to placebo, with some studies also reporting a decrease in the need for additional pain medications. The proposed mechanism is that Vitamin E, as an antioxidant, may help reduce the synthesis of prostaglandins in the endometrium, which are compounds involved in uterine contractions and menstrual pain. However, the overall quality of evidence remains limited by small sample sizes, short duration, and some methodological weaknesses. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses acknowledge a potential benefit but emphasize the need for larger, high-quality studies to confirm efficacy and establish optimal dosing. While Vitamin E is not part of standard medical guidelines for dysmenorrhea, its use is supported by a moderate amount of early scientific evidence rather than tradition or anecdote.
More about Vitamin E (mixed alpha-tocopherol)
More about Dysmenorrhea
Other ingredients used for Dysmenorrhea
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)black cohosh
calcium
chamomile
chaste tree
dong quai root
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fennel
fish oil
ginger
magnesium
motherwort
omega-3 fatty acids
parsley
passionflower
peppermint oil
phytocannabinoids
vitamin B6
vitamin E
wild yam
gastrodia
anise
peony
dioscorea
trichosanthes
shepherd's purse
Avens
Ambergris
Angelica
Achyranthes
Anamu
Albizia
Alchemilla
Aletris
Anserina
Aerva lanata
Anemone
Actaea spicata
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Abuta
Arisaema
Blue Cohosh
Blepharis
Boswellia
Bethroot
Boerhavia diffusa
Cohosh
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Cyathula
Corydalis
Didymocarpus
Dong Quai
Erythropalum scandens
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Euphorbia
Pennyroyal
Poppy
Other health conditions supported by Vitamin E (mixed alpha-tocopherol)
Age SpotsAging (prevention)
Alzheimer's Disease
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Breast Lumps
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Circulation (poor)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cuts
Dementia
Dermatitis
Diabetic Retinopathy
Dysmenorrhea
Eczema
Free Radical Damage
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hepatitis