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Background: In the light of dysmenorrhea prevalence and its importance for women at reproductive age and lack of clinical research on the effects of fish oil on dysmenorrhea in our country, this study was conducted on university students over the period 2002-2003. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial (before & after treatment) was carried out on 80 single girls, who suffered from primary dysmenorrhea. Data were collected through a questionnaire including demographic factors, exercise, stress causing factors, use of pain reliever and the Mc Gill pain ruler for determination of pain. The subjects were classified into two groups based on their pain severity. The moderate group (4 grade 7) and also the severe one (8 grade 10) and the subjects with less than 4 grades were excluded from this study. All the subjects consumed fish oil capsule (1gr), b.i.d from the 15th day of menstrual cycle for 45 days continuously. The research data were collected before study, during the consumption of fish oil and two menstrual periods thereafter and were analyzed by employing Sign and McNemar statistical tests. Results: The subjects averaged 22.1 2.5 years of age. Factors affecting dysmenorrhea severity did not show significant difference before and after treatment. Severe dysmenorrhea decreased from 50 percent to 21.2 percent, (P= 0.0001). The consumption of pain reliever decreased after treatment with fish oil. Moreover, no serious side effects were observed as a result of fish oil intake. The effect of fish oil improved after 2 cycles followup, so that severe dysmenorrhea decreased from 21.2 percent to 16.8 percent. Conclusion: The consumption of fish oil (2gr daily) for 45 days decreases primary dysmenorrhea. The investigation of effects of long term consumption of fish oil (6 months) is recommended.

Keywords: KEY WORDS: Dysmenorrhea, Fish oil

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