Outcome
    Limited

    Evening Primrose Oil for PMS Symptom Relief

    Evening primrose oil is popular for PMS but the trial evidence for general symptoms is largely negative.

    Overview

    Evening primrose oil is popular for PMS but the trial evidence for general symptoms is largely negative.

    Verdict

    Insufficient evidence

    How It Works

    Provides gamma-linolenic acid, proposed to modify prostaglandin balance in the luteal phase.

    Dosing & Protocol

    Typical dose

    Recommended dose
    1000-3000mg/day in studies
    Expected timeframe
    3 cycles

    Protocol

    form
    Softgel capsules standardised to about 9-10% GLA, taken with food
    duration
    Not established
    co factor
    Evidence is insufficient. Systematic reviews of evening primrose oil for premenstrual syndrome find no significant benefit over placebo for the overall symptom picture - mood, bloating, irritability - across trials using 1-3 g/day. The theory was that GLA corrects a deficit in prostaglandin E1 synthesis, but it has not held up. Even for cyclical mastalgia, where use is most entrenched, randomised trials have been largely negative, and UK guidance no longer recommends it. Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) has considerably better randomised evidence for premenstrual symptoms.
    titration
    Not applicable
    starting dose
    Not applicable as an established treatment for PMS generally. Where cyclical breast tenderness is the dominant symptom, 1-3 g/day taken with food for three cycles is the traditional regimen, though controlled evidence for even that is weak

    Evidence

    What the studies say

    Systematic reviews find no consistent benefit for overall PMS. Data for cyclical breast pain is slightly more favourable but still weak compared with chasteberry.

    No studies are yet linked to both Evening Primrose Oil and PMS Symptom Relief.

    Safety

    Caveats

    Generally well tolerated. Caution with anticoagulants and seizure disorders.

    Less likely to help if

    Everyone, for the general PMS symptom picture.

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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.