Evidence supporting the use of: Evening primrose oil
For the health condition: Vaginal Dryness

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Synopsis

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

Evening primrose oil (EPO) is primarily justified for use in vaginal dryness based on traditional and anecdotal practices rather than solid scientific validation. Historically, EPO has been used, especially in alternative and complementary medicine, for a range of women’s health concerns, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopausal symptoms, and skin hydration. Its presumed benefit for vaginal dryness is largely attributed to its high content of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid thought to support skin and mucosal membrane health. However, scientific studies specifically investigating the efficacy of EPO for vaginal dryness are limited and of low quality. Some small clinical trials and observational studies have suggested possible improvements in skin moisture and elasticity with EPO supplementation, which practitioners extend to suggest a benefit for vaginal tissues. Yet, these findings are indirect and not robustly confirmed for vaginal dryness itself. Most mainstream medical guidelines do not recommend EPO as a first-line therapy for vaginal dryness, citing a lack of high-quality randomized controlled trials. Therefore, while EPO’s use for this condition is grounded in tradition and supported by anecdotal reports and plausible mechanisms, scientific evidence remains weak, and more rigorous clinical research is needed to establish its efficacy.

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