2.5. Study Protocol
This study spanned five menstrual cycles (cycle −1 to 3) and followed the schedule outlined in Throughout the study period, the participants were instructed to avoid extreme dietary changes involving excessive dieting or overeating that substantially deviated from their usual eating habits. Additionally, the participants were instructed to not use analgesics for prophylactic purposes. To differentiate between temporary menstrual symptoms in healthy women and persistent discomfort caused by gynecological conditions, the research investigator emphasized the importance of promptly seeking medical advice if premenstrual or menstrual distress significantly interfered with daily activities, or if these symptoms persisted not only before or during menstruation, but also after menstruation.