薬理と治療

Abstract

Background　In women of reproductive age, menstruation-related symptoms such as menstrual pain and premenstrual syndrome are sometimes associated with health problems. Bovine milk-derived alpha-lactalbumin（αLA）has the potential to moderate menstrual-related symptoms. Objectives　We evaluated the effects of αLA on menstrual-related symptoms of healthy women. Methods　A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study of the effects of αLA was performed in 55 healthy Japanese women. The subjects received 900 mg of αLA （per day）or a placebo from the 8th day after their last menstrual period started to 4th day of their next menstruation. The menstrual distress questionnaire（MDQ）was used to assess the subjectsʼ premenstrual period and menstrual period symptoms. A visual analog scale for menstrual pain was administered during the first four days of menstruation. Results　Our results revealed that the subjectsʼ physical symptom score on the MDQ during their menstrual periods was significantly reduced by αLA treatment compared to the placebo. The improvement in the feeling of exhaustion after αLA intake was significant at both menstruation and premenstruation. No treatment-related side effects were observed. Conclusions　The results indicate that αLA can have a beneficial effect by lessening the feeling of exhaustion and other physical symptoms related to menstruation（. UMIN Clinical Trials Registry ID: UMIN000037316）