Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Evening primrose oil (EPO) has a long history of traditional use for supporting the female reproductive system, particularly for conditions such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), breast pain (mastalgia), and menopausal symptoms. The oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid thought to influence prostaglandin production and, therefore, hormone regulation and inflammation. Many women have historically used EPO as a natural remedy to alleviate symptoms like breast tenderness, mood swings, and menstrual cramps.

However, when examining the scientific evidence, support for these uses is limited and inconsistent. Reviews of clinical trials have found that EPO is no more effective than placebo for PMS or mastalgia in most well-conducted studies. Multiple systematic reviews, including Cochrane analyses, generally conclude there is little reliable evidence to recommend EPO for these reproductive health concerns. Some small studies have suggested minor benefits, but these are often offset by methodological flaws, small sample sizes, or lack of replication.

As such, evening primrose oil’s reputation for supporting the female reproductive system rests largely on tradition and anecdotal reports rather than robust scientific validation. While it is widely used for this purpose, consumers should be aware that current scientific research does not strongly support its effectiveness for reproductive or hormonal health issues.

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Other body systems supported by evening primrose oil

Products containing evening primrose oil

Nature's Sunshine Evening Primrose Oil
Nature's Sunshine Natural Changes
Nature's Sunshine Super GLA