An Evidence-Based Practice Project: Vitamin D for Dysmenorrhea

Abstract

Primary dysmenorrhea affects a large percentage of women of reproductive age. This evidence-based practice project aimed to explore the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation on pain associated with primary dysmenorrhea. A literature search was conducted to address how oral vitamin D supplementation compares to usual care for pain. The search resulted in 127 articles, of which six were identified to address inclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria were as follows: English language, research published in the last five years (January 2019 through June 2024), and women experiencing menstrual pain without underlying pathologic cause. The literature included in this evidence-based project indicated that a significant reduction in pain is associated with supplemental vitamin D use. Optimal dosing of 50,000 IU of vitamin D or greater per week is associated with a decrease in pain as measured by visual analog scale (VAS), verbal multidimensional scoring scale (VMS), and numeric rating scale (NRS); however, other articles used a variety of dosing. Overall, vitamin D was suggested as an alternative to manage menstrual pain. Research supported the use of vitamin D for treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.