Homeopathic treatment of patients with dysmenorrhea: a prospective observational study with 2 years follow-up

Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2009 Oct;280(4):603-11. doi: 10.1007/s00404-009-0988-1. Epub 2009 Feb 20.

Abstract

Purpose: Evaluating homeopathic treatment for dysmenorrhea.

Methods: Prospective multicenter observational study in primary care, using standardized questionnaires to record for 2 years diseases, quality of life, medical history, consultations, all treatments, other health services use.

Results: Fifty-seven physicians treated 128 women (age 32.4 +/- 7.5 years, mean +/- SD) and 11 girls (13.7 +/- 4.0). Women had dysmenorrhea for 11.6 +/- 9.0 (girls 3.1 +/- 1.5) years. Patients received 7.5 +/- 6.5 (5.9 +/- 3.7) homeopathic prescriptions. Diagnoses and complaints severity improved markedly [at 24 months, dysmenorrhea relieved by > 50% of baseline rating in 46.1% (59) of the women and 45.5% (5) of the girls] with large effect sizes (24 months: Cohen's d from 1.18 to 2.93). In addition, QoL improved (24 months: SF-36 physical component score: 0.25, mental component score 0.25, KINDL sum score 0.27). Conventional medication changed little and use of other health services decreased.

Conclusions: Patients with dysmenorrhea improved under homeopathic treatment. Controlled studies should investigate efficacy and effectiveness.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Dysmenorrhea / therapy*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Homeopathy*
  • Humans
  • Prospective Studies
  • Quality of Life