Effectiveness of vitamin E and Primrose oil versus NSAIDS for treatment of cyclical mastalgia

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of vitamin E combined with Primrose oil versus NSAIDs in the treatment of cyclical mastalgia. Methods: A prospective,cohort study was done in Department of General surgery, PAF Hospital, Islamabad, on 130 patients with a diagnosis of cyclical mastalgia. Patients were allocated into Group A (vitamin E + Primrose oil, n=65) or Group B (NSAIDs, n=65). Demographic and clinical data (age, BMI, the severity of pains, the type of pain) were identified as the baseline data. The interventions were done in three menstrual cycles. The severity of pain was measured by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at baseline, 1 month and 3 months. The secondary outcomes were the overall clinical response and adverse events.

Results: The mean age was 40.4 ± 5.8 years in Group A and 38.5 ± 6.2 years in Group B (p=0.356). BMI was comparable between groups (28.4 vs 27.9, p=0.424), although obesity (BMI ≥30) was higher in Group A (35.4% vs 12.3%, p=0.002). Most patients experienced diffuse pain (81.5% vs 80%), with no significant difference in pain laterality (p=0.211). Pain scores decreased in both groups over three months. Baseline VAS scores were 5.7 vs 5.3 (p=0.267). At 3 months, Group A had slightly lower pain scores than Group B (3.5 vs 4.2, p=0.046). Overall clinical response was similar at study end (3.4 vs 3.3, p=0.785). Adverse events were mild and comparable between groups. Conclusion: Vitamin E + Primrose oil is equal to NSAIDs in decreasing pain related to cyclical mastalgia and with the same safety profile. These results justify its use as a safe substitute in a long-term management of cyclical mastalgia.