Evidence supporting the use of: Gamma-linolenic acid
For the body system: Female Reproductive System
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 fatty acid found in plant oils such as evening primrose oil, borage oil, and black currant seed oil. Its use to support the female reproductive system—particularly for conditions like premenstrual syndrome (PMS), mastalgia (breast pain), and menopausal symptoms—has been the subject of scientific investigation. Some clinical studies suggest that GLA supplementation may help alleviate symptoms of PMS, such as breast tenderness and mood swings, likely due to its anti-inflammatory properties and its role as a precursor to prostaglandin E1, which may modulate hormonal balance and inflammatory responses.
However, evidence is mixed. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses indicate that while some women report subjective improvement in PMS and cyclical mastalgia symptoms with GLA-containing oils, placebo-controlled trials often fail to demonstrate statistically significant benefits. The efficacy appears more pronounced in some subgroups, and GLA is generally considered safe, with few side effects reported at recommended doses.
Overall, the scientific evidence supporting GLA’s use for the female reproductive system is moderate, with some positive findings but also notable inconsistencies in the clinical data. As such, GLA is sometimes recommended as an adjunctive therapy, but not as a primary treatment. More robust, large-scale studies are needed to clarify its role and effectiveness in supporting female reproductive health.
More about Gamma-linolenic acid
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Other ingredients that support Female Reproductive System
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)amino acids
ashwagandha
basil
black cohosh
borage oil
broccoli
chaste tree
turmeric
d-alpha tocopherol
damiana
dandelion
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dong quai root
eleuthero
evening primrose oil
fennel
fenugreek
flaxseed
folate
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
genistein
ginger
goldenseal
hibiscus
HMR lignan
Indian tinospora
indole-3-carbinol
inositol
jujube
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus crispatus
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus jensenii
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lignans
linoleic acid (LA)
maca
marine lipid
motherwort
nettle
omega-3 fatty acids
raspberry
rose oil
saffron
selenium
soybean
spearmint leaf
tribulus
vitamin B
vitamin B6
vitamin E
wild yam
red clover
squawvine
mugwort
anise
caesalpinia crista
rubia cordifolia
blessed thistle
peony
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
yarrow
yarrow
dioscorea
dodder
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
guelder rose
trace minerals
anemarrhena asphodeloides
shepherd's purse
wood betony
herbal blend (proprietary)
soy isoflavones
27-deoxyactein
25-d-spirosta-3, 5-diene
8-Prenylnaringenin
Angelica
Anamu
AHCC
Alchemilla
Aletris
Anserina
Anemone
Agnuside
Ashoka
Abuta
Animal protein
Betony
Blue Cohosh
Bugbane
Bethroot
Barbasco
Belamcanda
Bird's nest
Calochortus
Cohosh
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cynomorium
Cramp Bark
Chinese Pond Turtle
Chlorophytum
Casticin
Ceylon Leadwort
Crinum latifolium
DHEA
Daidzein
Dong Quai
Diosgenin
Date
Egg
Erythrina
Evening Primrose Oil
Estrogen
Folic Acid
Fatty acids
False Unicorn Root
Isoflavones
jasmine
Pennyroyal
Rose
Soy Protein
Vervain
Other body systems supported by Gamma-linolenic acid
BloodBreasts
Circulatory System
Female Reproductive System
Glandular System
Hair
Immune System
Joints
Nerves
Ovaries
Prostaglandins
Reproductive System
Skin