Outcome
    Moderate Evidence

    Evening Primrose Oil for Hormonal Balance

    Evening primrose oil does not measurably alter hormone levels despite its reputation.

    Overview

    Evening primrose oil does not measurably alter hormone levels despite its reputation.

    Verdict

    Insufficient evidence

    How It Works

    GLA is converted to dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid and then series-1 prostaglandins, which influence tissue responsiveness rather than hormone production.

    Dosing & Protocol

    Typical dose

    Recommended dose
    No established dose — evidence is insufficient. Trials used 1-4 g/day evening primrose oil (about 80-320 mg GLA) without demonstrating hormonal change.
    Expected timeframe
    Not established; no hormonal change demonstrated over 3-6 months

    Protocol

    dose
    Not established for hormonal balance
    form
    Evening primrose oil softgels standardised to 8-10% gamma-linolenic acid
    steps
    Evidence is insufficient: evening primrose oil supplies gamma-linolenic acid, a fatty-acid precursor to prostaglandins — it is not a hormone and trials have not shown changes in oestrogen, progesterone or androgen levels,The popular claim that it balances hormones has no supporting trial data at 1-4 g/day,If you have symptoms suggesting a hormonal disorder, get tested: thyroid function, prolactin, testosterone, SHBG, FSH and LH as appropriate,Treat the diagnosed cause rather than taking a general balancing supplement
    timing
    n/a
    duration
    Trials ran 3-6 months

    Evidence

    What the studies say

    Trials in PMS, mastalgia and menopause report no consistent hormonal or symptomatic changes versus placebo.

    No studies are yet linked to both Evening Primrose Oil and Hormonal Balance.

    Safety

    Caveats

    Insufficient evidence. May lower the seizure threshold — avoid with epilepsy and with phenothiazine antipsychotics. Mild antiplatelet activity adds to bleeding risk with anticoagulants and antiplatelets; stop 2 weeks before surgery. Avoid in pregnancy without medical advice.

    Less likely to help if

    Not applicable — no hormonal effect has been established.

    Medical Disclaimer

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    Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.