How long does evening primrose oil take to work? It may take up to 6 weeks for you to notice any difference, but most people report changes after 1 to 2 weeks. According to a study, the GLA in EPO is thought to reduce inflammation and help inhibit prostaglandins that cause cyclical breast pain. Erythropoietin Epo is a pleotropic cytokine with several nonhematopoietic tissue effects. High-dose Epo treatment-mediated effects on body weight, fat mass and glucose tolerance have recently been reported, thus extending its pleotropic effects to fat and glucose metabolism.
Evening primrose oil does not have hormonal properties, but some products that contain it may also contain phytoestrogens, which are plant-derived sources of estrogen. Therefore, patients with hormone-sensitive cancers should use evening primrose oil products with caution. Proponents claim that evening primrose oil can offer relief from a number of menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, difficulty sleeping, vaginal dryness, and disturbance in mood.
Evening primrose oil comes in capsules, which can be taken orally or inserted vaginally. Additionally, fats act as carriers for important fat-soluble vitamins — including vitamin A, vitamin D , vitamin E and vitamin K. For example, dietary fats are needed for the conversion of carotene to vitamin A, mineral absorption and a host of other processes.
What does evening primrose do to hormones? For starters, women around the world take EPO to naturally treat PMS symptoms because of its essential fatty acid content — plus it may help decrease unwanted menopause symptoms. Getting enough omega-6 fatty acids , such as LA and GLA, is shown to support overall hormonal function within the body when taken for about three to six months.
These symptoms reportedly can subside after using evening primrose oil, according to a study in the journal Lipids. In , the results of a randomized clinical trial that looked at the effects of evening primrose oil on 56 menopausal women aged 45—59 years was published. These women took two milligram capsules of EPO or a placebo every day for a total of six weeks.
The researchers then compared hot flashes between the two groups and found that oral EPO decreased the intensity of hot flashes and decreased the life disruption that results from these attacks.
EPO seems to help increase the production of cervical mucus, a factor in successful reproduction and thus a natural treatment for infertility , since this fluid helps create a friendly environment for sperm.
To increase cervical mucus, the recommended dosage is milligrams of EPO, three times a day. The high levels of essential fatty acids present in EPO also have a direct effect on uterine cells, aiding in contraction and relaxation of muscle tissue. This helps tone the uterine muscles in preparation for pregnancy. Consuming EPO for its fatty acid content is best only when naturally trying to get pregnant — not for women who are already pregnant because the contraction of the uterus may be problematic at that point.
An animal study done at the Department of Animal Nutrition and Management included male and female blue foxes that were given evening primrose oil during mating season in order to measure its effect on reproductive performance. An interesting result was an increase in litter size, mainly as an effect of male treatment, which might indicate that evening primrose oil benefits go beyond the uterus and have an impact on semen quality as well.
Is evening primrose oil acne-clearing? Getting a proper balance of omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids from healthy sources like EPO may help overcome and prevent hormonal acne. These fatty acids also play a role in cell structure, improving nerve function and promoting skin elasticity. To take advantage of this evening primrose oil health benefit for hormonal acne, you can take an evening primrose oil capsule daily — much like a fish oil capsule.
You can also put the oil on your face directly. This is known to help with the healing process and improve the overall appearance of your skin. Men and women struggle with hair loss, and sometimes the best way to prevent this issue is with diet or supplements. Hormones in both men and women are responsible for many body processes. When it comes to hair, hormones play a significant role — including in the hair pattern found on your head, as well as the rest of your body.
Evening primrose oil has proved to be a valuable treatment choice for people suffering from skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Studies published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science have even shown that EPO can also help with age-related structural and functional changes in skin tissues, such as redness, firmness, roughness and fatigue resistance.
Studies prove that evening primrose oil is remarkably effective in relieving many symptoms of eczema , including itching, redness and edema. While evening primrose oil is probably safe for most people to take short term, research doesn't support the use of the supplement as a treatment for any condition. When taken in appropriate amounts short term, oral use of evening primrose oil is most likely safe.
Don't take evening primrose if you have a bleeding disorder. Oral use of the supplement might increase the risk of bleeding. If you're planning to have surgery, stop taking evening primrose two weeks beforehand. Also, don't take evening primrose if you have epilepsy or schizophrenia. The supplement might increase your risk of seizures. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.
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