International Journal of Physiology
  • Year: 2019
  • Volume: 7
  • Issue: 4

Does Dark Chocolate Relieve Menstrual Pain in Adult Women?: A Study Among Indian Population

1Assistant Professor, Dept. of Physiology, Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Navi Mumbai

2Associate Professor, Dept. of Physiology, Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Navi Mumbai

*Corresponding Author: Archana Kadam, Associate Professor, Dept. of Physiology, Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Navi Mumbai, e-mail: drarchanashirsath24@gmail.com

Online published on 21 November, 2019.

Abstract

Premenstrual pain (PMS) and Dysmenorrhea or painful menstruation is defined as a severe, painful, cramping sensation in the lower abdomen that is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as sweating, headaches, nausea, etc all occurring just before or during the menses1. A variety of drugs, predominantly non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are used to provide analgesia during the period. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the claims of Dark chocolate as an alternative to NSAIDS.

90 selected students were divided into 3groups and were provided 120gms/day of dark chocolate, milk chocolate and no chocolate based on their group. Numeric Rate Scale (NRS) was used to measure pain before and after intervention.

Pre menstrual pain and menstrual pain was significantly reduced after the consumption of Dark chocolate.

Keywords

Premenstrual pain, non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Numeric Rate Scale