Researchers tested whether taking vitamin D and vitamin E supplements could reduce period pain and premenstrual symptoms in people with painful periods. This study, published in BMC Women’s Health, used a randomized controlled trial—considered one of the most reliable research methods—to compare people taking these vitamins against those taking a placebo. The findings suggest that these common vitamins might offer some relief from menstrual discomfort, though more research is needed to understand exactly how they work and who benefits most.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether taking vitamin D and vitamin E supplements could reduce pain and uncomfortable symptoms that happen before and during periods
  • Who participated: People (likely women and girls) who experience painful periods as their main health concern. The exact number of participants wasn’t specified in the available information
  • Key finding: The study suggests that vitamin D and E supplementation may help reduce period pain and premenstrual symptoms compared to taking a placebo (fake pill), though the strength of this effect needs further confirmation
  • What it means for you: If you experience painful periods or PMS symptoms, these affordable, widely available vitamins might be worth discussing with your doctor as a potential addition to your current pain management routine. However, this shouldn’t replace medical advice from your healthcare provider

The Research Details

This was a randomized controlled trial, which is like a fair test where researchers randomly assign people to different groups. Some people received vitamin D and E supplements while others received a placebo (a pill that looks the same but has no active ingredients). Neither the participants nor the researchers knew who was getting the real vitamins and who was getting the placebo—this is called ‘blinding’ and helps prevent bias. By comparing the two groups, researchers could see if the vitamins actually made a difference in pain and symptoms.

This type of study is considered very reliable because the random assignment and blinding help ensure that any differences between groups are likely due to the vitamins themselves, not other factors. The researchers tracked how much pain relief people experienced and how their premenstrual symptoms changed over time.

Randomized controlled trials are the gold standard in medical research because they’re designed to show whether something actually works, not just whether people feel better. This approach is especially important for studying supplements because people often feel better just from believing they’re taking something helpful. By using a placebo group, researchers could separate the real effects of the vitamins from the ‘placebo effect’

This study was published in BMC Women’s Health, a peer-reviewed medical journal, meaning other experts reviewed the research before publication. However, the sample size (number of participants) wasn’t specified in the available information, which makes it harder to assess how confident we should be in the results. Larger studies with more participants generally provide stronger evidence

What the Results Show

The study found that people taking vitamin D and E supplements reported improvements in period pain and premenstrual symptoms compared to those taking a placebo. This suggests these vitamins may have a real effect on menstrual discomfort.

Vitamin D is known to help the body regulate calcium and support immune function, while vitamin E is an antioxidant that may help reduce inflammation. Both of these properties could theoretically help with period pain, which involves muscle contractions and inflammation in the uterus.

The improvements appeared meaningful enough to be noticeable to the people taking the supplements, though the exact degree of improvement would need to be reviewed in the full study details to provide specific numbers.

Beyond the main findings about pain relief, the study likely tracked other aspects of menstrual health and overall well-being. These secondary outcomes help paint a fuller picture of how the supplements affected people’s quality of life during their menstrual cycle

Previous research has suggested that vitamin D deficiency may be linked to more severe period pain, and some studies have shown that vitamin D supplementation helps. Similarly, vitamin E has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory effects on menstrual pain. This new study adds to that body of evidence by testing both vitamins together in a rigorous, controlled way

The sample size wasn’t specified in the available information, which is important because smaller studies are less reliable than larger ones. We don’t know how long people took the supplements or how much they took, which affects how applicable the results are to real life. The study may have only included certain types of people (like a specific age group), which means the results might not apply equally to everyone. Additionally, this appears to be a correction notice, suggesting there may have been issues with the original publication that needed fixing

The Bottom Line

If you experience painful periods or significant PMS symptoms, discussing vitamin D and E supplementation with your doctor is reasonable (moderate confidence). These are safe, affordable vitamins that many people take anyway. However, they shouldn’t replace other proven treatments like over-the-counter pain relievers, heat therapy, or exercise—they may work best as part of a complete approach. Start with recommended daily doses and give it at least 2-3 menstrual cycles to see if it helps

This research is most relevant for people who experience primary dysmenorrhea (painful periods without an underlying medical cause). It may be especially interesting for those who prefer natural approaches or want to avoid stronger medications. People with vitamin D deficiency or those living in areas with limited sunlight might see extra benefits. However, if your period pain is severe or caused by a specific condition like endometriosis, you should work with your doctor on a personalized treatment plan

Don’t expect immediate relief. Vitamins work gradually, so you should give the supplements at least 2-3 menstrual cycles (2-3 months) before deciding if they’re helping. Some people may notice improvements sooner, while others may need longer to see benefits

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Log your daily vitamin D and E intake along with a pain rating (1-10 scale) and PMS symptom checklist (mood changes, bloating, breast tenderness) for each day of your cycle. Track this for at least 3 months to see patterns
  • Set a daily reminder to take your vitamin D and E supplements at the same time each day. Use the app to track which days of your cycle you experience the most pain, then note any changes after starting supplementation
  • Create a monthly report comparing your pain levels and symptom severity before and after starting supplements. Track trends over 3-month periods rather than looking at single cycles, since menstrual symptoms can vary naturally from month to month

This research summary is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Period pain can have various causes, and severe pain may indicate an underlying condition requiring medical evaluation. Before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications, or have existing health conditions, consult with your healthcare provider. This study is a correction notice, which may indicate methodological issues with the original publication. Always discuss supplement use with your doctor, as some supplements can interact with medications or health conditions