If you're a woman experiencing the challenging symptoms of menopause, you're not alone. Menopause is a natural stage in a woman's life that brings about various changes, both physically and emotionally. While there are several options available to alleviate menopausal symptoms, one alternative treatment that has gained popularity is evening primrose oil (EvPO). In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the potential benefits of evening primrose oil for menopause relief, its uses, research findings, possible side effects, and safety considerations.

Understanding Menopause and its Symptoms

Before delving into the potential benefits of evening primrose oil, let's first understand what menopause is and the symptoms it can bring. Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's menstrual cycles. [1] It typically occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55 years and is diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.

During menopause, the body undergoes hormonal changes, particularly a decline in estrogen production. This hormonal shift can lead to a range of symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, insomnia, vaginal dryness, joint pain, and weight gain. These symptoms can significantly impact a woman's quality of life and well-being.

The Potential of Evening Primrose Oil for Menopause Relief

Evening primrose oil, derived from the seeds of the evening primrose plant (Oenothera biennis), is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, including linoleic acid and γ-linoleic acid. [2] These fatty acids play a role in the production of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, which may help counter hormonal changes associated with menopause.

Many women turn to evening primrose oil to alleviate menopausal symptoms. It is believed to offer relief for a variety of symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety, hair loss, insomnia, joint pain, mood swings, and weight gain. Its popularity as a natural remedy is evident, with several surveys showing that over 60% of menopausal women use or have used evening primrose oil in some capacity to relieve their symptoms. [4]

Exploring the Research on The Potential Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil for Menopause

While evening primrose oil is widely used for menopause relief, the scientific evidence supporting its efficacy is limited. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that there is currently not enough evidence to support the use of evening primrose oil for any health condition. Generally speaking, EPO is largely looked at for hot flash relief, although there are some other potential benefits of EPO for menopause.

Evening Primrose Oil For Hot Flashes

A 2013 clinical trial investigated the effectiveness of evening primrose oil in improving hot flashes. Participants, women aged 45 to 59 experiencing menopause-related changes, took either an evening primrose oil supplement or a placebo for six weeks. [4] At the end of the study, there was a reduction in the severity of hot flashes, although no significant changes in hot flash frequency or duration were observed. Another small study published in the Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics in 2013 found that women who took evening primrose oil experienced an improvement in the severity of hot flashes. [5]

On the other hand, a review published in American Family Physician in 2009 [6] concluded that there is insufficient evidence to determine the effectiveness of evening primrose oil for most clinical indications, including menopausal symptoms. Another study published in 2016 explained that herbal products like evening primrose oil are not considered reliable solutions for relieving menopause symptoms. [7]

Benefits of EPO Aside From Hot Flash Relief

Breast Pain and Tenderness

Breast pain and tenderness can be distressing symptoms experienced by some menopausal women. EPO's anti-inflammatory properties may help alleviate these symptoms. Although more research is needed, some women have reported a decrease in breast pain after using EPO. [8]

Mood Swings and Depression

The hormonal fluctuations during menopause can contribute to mood swings and feelings of depression. EPO's GLA content may aid in stabilizing mood by promoting the production of prostaglandins. While limited studies exist specifically on the effects of EPO on mood during menopause, some evidence suggests a potential benefit. [9]

Skin Health

Menopause can bring about changes in the skin, including dryness, itchiness, and wrinkles. EPO's GLA content may help improve skin health by supporting proper hydration and reducing inflammation. Some women have reported positive effects on their skin after using EPO topically. [10]

Safety Considerations and Possible Side Effects of Evening Primrose Oil

While evening primrose oil is generally considered safe for most individuals, it is essential to be aware of potential side effects and safety considerations. Short-term use of evening primrose oil has been shown to be safe, but long-term use is not recommended.

Possible side effects of evening primrose oil include upset stomach, abdominal pain, headaches, nausea, and diarrhea. If you experience stomach pain or loose stools, it may indicate that the dose is too high. Rarely, evening primrose oil can cause increased bruising, bleeding, low blood sugar, allergic reactions, or seizures.

It is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, as evening primrose oil may interact with certain medications. It is not recommended for individuals with bleeding disorders, epilepsy, or other seizure disorders. Additionally, evening primrose oil should not be taken in combination with specific medications such as blood-thinning drugs, blood pressure medication, schizophrenia drugs, or antidepressants. If you have a scheduled surgery, it is advised to discontinue evening primrose oil at least two weeks beforehand. [11]

Evening Primrose Oild Dosage For Menopause

If you are considering using evening primrose oil for menopausal symptoms, it is crucial to understand the recommended usage and potential side effects. Evening primrose oil is available in both gel cap and bottled oil forms. The positive studies generally suggest that adults take 500 mg of evening primrose oil daily.

Integrating Evening Primrose Oil into Menopause Management

While there is limited scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of evening primrose oil for menopause relief, many women find it to be a helpful natural remedy. However, it is essential to approach its use with caution and consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating it into your menopause management plan.

It's important to remember that lifestyle changes and self-care practices can also play a significant role in managing menopausal symptoms. Regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in calcium, relaxation techniques, and yoga are all beneficial strategies to consider. These lifestyle interventions can help improve overall well-being and potentially reduce the severity of menopausal symptoms.

Does Evening Primrose Oil Work For Menopause Symptoms?

Evening primrose oil is a popular alternative treatment for menopause relief, although its scientific evidence is limited. While some studies suggest a potential reduction in the severity of hot flashes with evening primrose oil supplementation, more research is needed to establish its efficacy. Ultimately it's probably not the best natural remedy for hot flashes, in that it seems to work for as many people as it does nothing for, and of course there's the issue of medication interactions. 

References

1 - https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-menopause

2 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6116039/

3 - https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/evening-primrose-oil

4 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8102809/

5 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23625331/

6 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20000302/

7 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27427263/

8 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8296106/

9 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8408320/e

10 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18492193/

11 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6718646/