Learn About The Menopause And Evening Primrose Oil Connection

Here, you will learn about the connection between menopause and evening primrose oil.

Evening primrose oil is made from a plant native to North America, but also found in Europe and certain other areas of the Southern hemisphere. The plant has very fragrant flowers that open in the late afternoon and evening.

The oil is extracted from the seeds and is sold as oil or in capsules. Evening primrose oil contains the essential fatty acid called gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).

GLA is important in the production of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. It is through this process of increasing the production of prostaglandins that evening primrose oil is thought to help counter hormonal changes associated with menopause.

The common symptoms of menopause include mood swings, headaches, anxiety, fluid retention, irritability, and breast tenderness.

Having sufficient amounts of GLA in the body is important because it acts as messengers between cells. It also regulates areas such as hormone production and the proper function of hormones. These are important functions for women going through menopause and thus the use of evening primrose oil might be helpful in making sure hormonal balance is acquired. This can alleviate the symptoms of for example mood swings and anxiety.

Many of the studies conducted have found very mixed results regarding menopause and evening primrose oil. In 2002, for instance, researchers at Columbia University analyzed the various studies that had been done on menopause and where evening primrose oil was the primary supplement involved. The study concluded that evening primrose did not relieve the hot flashes and sweats that are common in menopause. There are other studies that have found GLA helping menopausal women suffering from hot flashes.

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