2024 · Aker — The effect of hydrogen-rich water consumption on premenstrual symptoms and quality of life: a randomized controlled trial
Super-Abstract
Hydrogen-rich water lowers premenstrual complaints and boosts quality of life. In a randomized controlled trial (n = 65) over three menstrual cycles, the H₂ group had significantly lower PMS scores and, at the first follow-up, higher physical and psychological quality of life than the control (p < 0.05). (BMC Women's Health, 2024.)
Commentary
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects very many women with physical and emotional complaints — and conventional treatments often turn to complementary approaches. Here, H₂ water is tested directly against it, in a randomized controlled trial with 65 women (33 intervention, 32 control), assigned by block randomization. The protocol is well thought out: the intervention group drank 1500–2000 ml of H₂ water daily, the control group plain water — each from day 16 of the cycle to day 2 of the next, over three consecutive cycles. Assessment used the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS) and the WHO quality-of-life questionnaire. The results: the H₂ group had significantly lower PMS scores at the first and second follow-ups (p < 0.05), and the group-by-time interaction for the PMS scale was clear (F = 10.54, p < 0.001). For quality of life, the first follow-up showed an advantage in the physical and psychological health domains (p < 0.05), but over time the interaction for quality of life was not significant. What it means: H₂ water could be a simple, low-risk approach for PMS. Honestly: a moderate sample (n = 65), and the abstract describes no blinding — presumably open/non-double-blind, which favors expectation effects on subjective symptoms.
Key quotes
- „The intervention group had significantly lower mean scores than the control group in both the first and second follow-ups on the PMSS (P<0.05).“ — significantly fewer PMS complaints with H₂ water
- „In the first follow-up, the intervention group had significantly higher mean scores in the Physical Health and Psychological domains of the WHOQOL-BREF compared to the control group (P<0.05).“ — better quality of life (physical + psychological) at the first follow-up
- „The consumption of HRW reduces the severity of premenstrual symptoms and improves individuals' quality of life in physical and psychological domains.“ — the authors' conclusion
Our assessment
Relevant for H₂ water applications in women's health — a concrete, everyday indication with a large affected population. Mechanistically the finding fits the antioxidant/anti-inflammatory profile of H₂. A co-author is Tyler W. LeBaron, a well-known figure in H₂ research (Molecular Hydrogen Institute) — that strengthens the subject expertise, but should also be noted as a possible conflict of interest. Limitation, stated honestly: a moderate sample (n = 65), the abstract mentions no blinding (presumably an open design), and the endpoints (PMS symptoms, quality of life) are subjective questionnaires that can respond to expectation effects. The quality-of-life advantage was also significant only at one follow-up, not across the whole time course.
Study design
- Type: RCT (randomized, controlled; block randomization, blinding not stated in the abstract) · n: 65 (33 intervention / 32 control) · Duration: 3 menstrual cycles (each cycle day 16 to day 2 of the following cycle) · H₂ delivery: 1500–2000 ml H₂ water/day (control: plain water)
- Result metrics: PMSS significantly lower in the H₂ group (1st + 2nd follow-up, p < 0.05); group×time for PMSS F = 10.54, p < 0.001; WHOQOL-BREF physical/psychological ↑ (1st follow-up, p < 0.05); group×time for WHOQOL n.s. (p > 0.05)
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) consists of psychiatric or somatic symptoms negatively affecting the daily life. PMS treatment can involve the use of complementary-alternative approaches. Hydrogen-rich water (HRW) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may treat PMS. This study aimed to investigate the effect of drinking HRW on the severity of premenstrual symptoms and the quality of life of women who suffer from PMS. METHODS: This study is a randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomized into two groups (intervention group=33, control group=32) using the block randomization method. Participants were requested to consume 1500-2000 mL of HRW daily in the intervention group and drink water in the placebo group. Participants began drinking either HRW or placebo water from day 16 of their menstrual cycle until day 2 of the following cycle for three menstrual cycles. The research data were collected using a Demographic Information Form, Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS), and Short form of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL- BREF). RESULTS: The intervention group had significantly lower mean scores than the control group in both the first and second follow-ups on the PMSS (P<0.05). In the first follow-up, the intervention group had significantly higher mean scores in the Physical Health and Psychological domains of the WHOQOL-BREF compared to the control group (P<0.05). Group × time interaction was significant for PMSS (F = 10.54, P<0.001). Group × time interaction was insignificant for WHOQOL- BREF (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of HRW reduces the severity of premenstrual symptoms and improves individuals' quality of life in physical and psychological domains.
Source & links
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