Prepared by Nutritionist Jade
Female hormones play an important role in women’s metabolism, appetite, growth and development, mood, stress, and body temperatures. Some hormone levels fluctuate throughout life and will cause hormone imbalance, resulting in uncomfortable symptoms.
Supplementing with Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) may help to support healthy hormonal balance and promote healthy skin, hair, and nails. Below are some of the benefits of EPO supplementation.
- Relieving Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms
PMS symptoms such as irritability, bloating and breast pain are among the most common health problems reported by women of reproductive age. Research has shown that gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in Evening Primrose Oil are converted to a substance in the body (prostaglandin E1) which is thought to help prevent prolactin from triggering PMS.
- Relieving Menopausal symptoms
Menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes are common experience for menopausal women, and can significantly compromise their overall sense of well-being and quality of life. Women supplemented with EPO have reported that they experienced less frequent, less severe, and shorter hot flashes.
- Improve overall skin health
Evening Primrose Oil can also help treat acne by balancing the body's fatty acid ratio and may promote overall skin health by nourishing the skin from within. It can help maintain skin hydration, elasticity, and firmness, leading to smoother and more radiant skin.
When trying a new supplement, it is recommended to start with a lower dose and gradually work your way up to the standard dose. Speak to your doctor about your individual risk of side effects or interactions with other supplements and medications.
References:
1. Horrobin DF. The role of essential fatty acids and prostaglandins in the premenstrual syndrome. J Reprod Med. 1983 Jul;28(7):465-8. PMID: 6350579.
2. Kashani L, Saedi N, Akhondzadeh S. Femicomfort in the treatment of premenstrual syndromes: a double-blind, randomized and placebo controlled trial. Iran J Psychiatry. 2010 Spring;5(2):47-50. PMID: 22952490; PMCID: PMC3430493.
3. Farzaneh, F., Fatehi, S., Sohrabi, MR. et al. The effect of oral evening primrose oil on menopausal hot flashes: a randomized clinical trial. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2013;288, 1075–1079.
4. R. Muggli. Systemic evening primrose oil improves the biophysical skin parameters of healthy adults. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2005; Vol 27, Issue 4, 193-254.