Dysmenorrhea is a prevalent problem among women of childbearing age; previous studies
carried out among young university students have identified that it affects 74% of them.
Dysmenorrhea can also be accompanied by the well-known menstrual distress, which has been
estimated to affect between 75 and 94% of women. The symptoms included in menstrual
distress are diverse, including irritability, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, general
weakness or fatigue, among others. Dysmenorrhea and distress have a significant impact on
the lives of women who suffer from it, affecting their social life, quality of life and
academic and work performance.
The methods that women use to relieve dysmenorrhea are usually pharmacological, with
NSAIDs (Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) and hormonal contraceptives, but these are
not free of adverse effects, so more and more studies are investigating
non-pharmacological methods to relieve pain. Menstrual distress is also being included as
an object of study.
A healthy lifestyle has been shown to be beneficial in relieving primary dysmenorrhoea.
In particular, exercise and eating at least 2 pieces of fruit per day have been
identified as protective habits.
Most of the studies that evaluate food intake in women with dysmenorrhea are
observational and the few clinical trials that exist are with small samples. Strawberries
are rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids, giving them anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
properties. Studies carried out with strawberries have shown their benefits against
chronic inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases. For these reasons, it is necessary a
clinical trial to evaluate the benefits of strawberry in relieving dysmenorrhea and
menstrual distress.
Carrying out a clinical trial with strawberries is a challenge. Firstly, there is no
consensus on the optimal dose that should be ingested to influence health biomarkers. On
the other hand, the use of fresh strawberries involves a significant cost, in addition to
the fact that it is a seasonal fruit, which is why the most of trials with strawberries
are carried out with freeze-dried strawberry powder.
The aim of this study is to analyze the benefits of strawberry consumption in relieving
menstrual pain using the VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) scale and menstrual distress using
the MEDI-Q scale, previously validated in Spanish in a previous phase of the study in
female university students. The results obtained will be compared between the
intervention group belonging to the intake of strawberry (specifically the "Fortuna"
variety) and with a control group that will continue with their usual diet during the
same period of time. They will be evaluated previously, one month and two months after
receiving the intervention. The project has been approved by the Andalusian Ethics and
Research Committee.
For the design of the clinical trial, previous studies on food intake and dysmenorrhea,
as well as studies on the health benefits of strawberries, have been taken into account.
The "Fortuna" strawberry variety will be provided by the association Fres Huelva and must
be eaten daily for a month. Participants will be provided with a menstrual diary in order
to avoid forgetfulness bias. Participants who are part of the intervention group will be
invited to participate in focus groups in order to know about their experiences during
the trial.
Our hypothesis is that women who regularly consume strawberries in their diet will
improve their pain intensity and levels of menstrual distress, as well as other symptoms
associated with dysmenorrhea.
