Evidence supporting the use of: Evening primrose oil
For the health condition: Menstrual Irregularity

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Evening Primrose Oil (EPO), derived from the seeds of the Oenothera biennis plant, has traditionally been used to manage a range of women's health concerns, including menstrual irregularity. The main active component, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), is an omega-6 fatty acid that is thought to influence prostaglandin synthesis, potentially impacting menstrual cycle regulation. Traditional medicine systems and anecdotal reports have recommended EPO for menstrual symptoms such as breast pain, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and irregular cycles. However, scientific validation for its effectiveness in treating menstrual irregularity specifically is limited and inconsistent. A small number of clinical studies and reviews have explored EPO's effects on PMS and mastalgia, but there is insufficient high-quality evidence directly supporting its use for irregular menstrual cycles. Most available research focuses on symptom relief (e.g., breast pain, mood swings) rather than cycle regulation. Thus, while EPO is commonly used for menstrual health in traditional and alternative medicine settings, more rigorous scientific studies are needed to establish its efficacy for menstrual irregularity.

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