Condition
    Effectiveness 1/5

    Magnesium for Endometriosis

    There are no clinical trials of magnesium for endometriosis; use is extrapolated from its effect on general menstrual cramping.

    Overview

    There are no clinical trials of magnesium for endometriosis; use is extrapolated from its effect on general menstrual cramping.

    Verdict

    Insufficient evidence

    No clinical trials of magnesium for endometriosis exist; use is extrapolated from its effect on general menstrual cramping.

    How It Works

    Magnesium relaxes smooth muscle and reduces dysmenorrhoea in general population trials — a plausible but untested extension to endometriosis pain, which has inflammatory and neuropathic components beyond cramping.

    Dosing & Protocol

    Typical dose

    Recommended dose
    200-400 mg elemental magnesium daily, if trialled for cramping
    Expected timeframe
    One to two cycles for any cramping benefit

    Protocol

    notes
    Take with the evening meal; loose stools limit dosing in some
    dosage
    200-400 mg elemental magnesium daily, glycinate or citrate
    duration
    One to two cycles to judge any cramping benefit

    Evidence

    What the studies say

    The entire rationale is extrapolation. Magnesium has reasonable evidence for primary dysmenorrhoea (period pain without endometriosis), likely via smooth muscle relaxation and prostaglandin modulation. Endometriosis pain involves inflammation, nerve ingrowth and central sensitisation — mechanisms magnesium does not address. There are no trials of magnesium in confirmed endometriosis. As a low-risk adjunct for the cramping component it is defensible; expect nothing for the disease itself.

    Dietary supplements for dysmenorrhoea

    Score: 9/10
    2016
    systematic_review
    n=3101

    Pattanittum P, et al.

    There is no high quality evidence to support the effectiveness of any dietary supplement for dysmenorrhoea, and evidence of safety is lacking.

    View source

    Safety

    Caveats

    {"Zero trials in endometriosis specifically","Will not affect lesions, inflammation or fertility","Loose stools limit dosing in some"}

    Less likely to help if

    Most women with true endometriosis pain — which is inflammatory and often neuropathic rather than purely cramp-based — should expect minimal benefit.

    Medical Disclaimer

    The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.

    Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.