Comparative study of effectiveness of vitamin E and evening primrose oil for pain relief in moderate cyclical mastalgia.

In breast clinics worldwide, cyclical mastalgia is the commonest presenting complaint among patients of reproductive age. Non-pharmacological options are preferred mode of treatment due to their better side effect profile. This study compares the effectiveness of two such non-pharmacological options i.e. Vitamin E and Evening Primrose Oil. Study Design: Randomized controlled single blinded trial. Setting: Surgical Unit 1 Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi. Period: Six months from July to Dec 2017. Materials and Methods: Observing all scientific and ethical protocols. All non-pregnant and non-lactating females of reproductive age were included in study. Two groups A and B, of 190 patients each, were made. Group A received Vitamin E capsules 400 mg once daily whereas group B received evening primrose oil 500 mg capsules twice daily. After six months, mean reduction in pain scores in both groups was calculated using a t-test (p-value < 0.05 was considered significant). Results: Total number of 380 female patients (190 in each group) were enrolled in study for a period of 6 months. Mean age was 30.00+16.54 years. Mean score at presentation was 5.69+0.08 in vitamin E group and 5.66+0.8 in EPO group. After 6 months, score was 3.70+1.5 in vitamin E group and 4.78+1.47 in EPO group, which was statistically significant (p value < 0.05). Conclusion: Vitamin E, when taken for 6 months, is more effective than evening primrose oil in reducing pain in moderate cyclical mastalgia.