The Long-Term Impact of Therapeutic Fasting on Primary Dysmenorrhea in Young Female Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and objective Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is one of the leading health issues among women. According to reports, nutrition/diet significantly affects severity course PD. The present study aimed evaluate role therapeutic fasting in alleviating symptoms associated with PD, improving quality life (QoL), reducing absenteeism young female adults Methods A total 52 participants aged between 18 24 years were included randomly classified into two groups 26 each. group (fasting group) was assigned undergo a 10-day regimen (≤500 kcal/day) while control follow normal dietary routine. pain, distress symptoms, QoL, sleep measured at baseline on fifth day first, second, third menstruation cycles after intervention, using Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Numerical Rating (NRS), World Health Organization Quality Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire, Pittsburg Sleep Index. We also recorded rate during cycles. Results observed significant reduction pain (p<0.001), cramps (p=0.001), nausea/vomiting (p=0.02), dizziness (p=0.007), mood changes (p=0.005) compared group. effects persistent most variables second follow-ups as well. physical psychological (p<0.001) QoL improved first month, we similar trend (physical p=0.03; p=0.001) (psychological p=0.002) except for which only follow-up. had lower controls follow-up (p=0.001). Conclusion Therapeutic may be considered safe effective option management Future trials should examine long-term sustainability results.