Primary dysmenorrhea negatively affects the quality of life in females, often resulting in missed school or work and reduced daily functioning. Non-pharmaceutical treatment options can provide significant relief and improve overall well-being. 

This secondary review examines the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions in reducing pain and enhancing quality of life for females with primary dysmenorrhea. 

Thematic research was gathered from PubMed, Google Scholar, the National Institutes of Health, and Semantic Scholar to result in physical, alternative, and behavioral interventions. The focus is on the different types of interventions rather than the methodology of individual studies, and no claims are made regarding the placebo effect. Studies were included if they focused on pain reduction and quality of life improvements. Those lacking outcome measures or centering solely on provider perspectives were excluded.

A total of 30 studies met the inclusion criteria. The analysis revealed that core exercise, massage, and acupressure were the most effective non-pharmaceutical interventions for alleviating pain associated with primary dysmenorrhea. Additionally, psychological interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy improved overall quality of life.

In summary, the findings highlight the value of non-pharmaceutical treatments as viable alternatives to medication for managing primary dysmenorrhea. These findings guide healthcare providers and individuals seeking complementary approaches for symptom relief. Future research could focus on longitudinal studies to assess these interventions’ long-term effects.