Studies: Menopause Hot Flashes and PMS Relieved by Evening Primrose Oil

GLENDALE, Calif. - May 1, 2015 - PRLog -- Evening primrose oil comes from the seeds of a yellow wildflower that grows throughout the United States.  It has traits in common with black currant seed oil and borage oil in that it contains a special kind of fatty acid that the body converts to a beneficial hormone-like substance. Capsules containing evening primrose oil are becoming more popular with women to help relieve menopause symptoms as well as premenstrual syndrome.

In one study from the Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, researchers tested the effect of evening primrose oil on 56 menopausal women aged 45 to 59 with menopausal hot flashes.  The women were given two capsules per day of evening primrose oil (500 mg per capsule) for a continuous 6 weeks.  The results showed there was a 42% improvement in the severity of hot flashes, as well as beneficial improvements in their life activities and quality of life.

Regarding PMS symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, breast pain, fatigue, headache, food cravings and joint pain, a research study evaluated the effectiveness of evening primrose oil in sixty-eight women with PMS.  They received one to two grams per day (1,000 mg. to 2,000 mg.).  The timing of the capsules was arranged so the women received them three days before their usual PMS symptoms began, up until the beginning of menstruation.

The women completed questionnaires which showed that 61% found complete relief of their symptoms and 23% had partial relief, with these results obtained after three months of supplementation.  Relief of breast pain was the most major symptom benefited. (Reference: Evening primrose oil in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome. Clinical Uses of Essential Fatty Acids. Montreal: Eden Press).

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