The Effect of Fennel on the Pre-Menstrual Syndrome

Introduction: Most women experience the premenstrual syndrome at their reproductive age. This is a periodic occurrence (event) that happens during the luteal phase of mentyral cycle and includes the combination of physical, psychological and behavioral changes that interfere with familial communication and social activities. In this regard, different methods have been suggested and one of them is traditional use of medicinal herbs. This study was carried out to detect the effect of fennel on the premenstrual syndrome in students of Shahrekord University of medical sciences in 2008. Methods: In this single blind clinical trial, sixty students with premenstrual syndrome were randomly assigned to either the fennel extract or placebo groups. Data collection was done via DRSP questionnaire and the severity of premenstrual syndrome was detected in two cycles before the intervention and it was compared with after the intervention conditions. To analyze the data, we used SPSS and P<0.05 was considered as significant. Results: There were no significant differences between the mean scores of premenstrual syndrome in the two groups before the treatment (100.38±33.43 in fennel group VS 104.30 ±19.50 in placebo group), but after the treatment, there was a significant difference between two groups [(64.40±29.3 in fennel group VS 79.10±28.11 in placebo group), P=0.01]. Conclusion: Fennel extract is probably effective in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome. We suggest fennel extracts for the treatment of PMS.