Can take evening primrose oil during my period?

As someone who menstruates, you may be trying to find ways to alleviate your menstrual symptoms. One popular supplement that people often use is evening primrose oil. But can you take evening primrose oil during your period? In this article, we will explore the benefits and risks of using EPO during menstruation.

What Is Evening Primrose Oil?

Evening primrose oil (EPO) is a dietary supplement extracted from the seeds of the evening primrose plant (Oenothera biennis). The plant is native to North and South America but can now be found in many places around the world.

The seeds contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential omega-6 fatty acid that is not produced by our bodies but plays an important role in maintaining overall health. EPO supplements are available in capsule or liquid form and are commonly used for various health conditions such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, menopause symptoms, and more.

How Does It Work?

EPO works by increasing levels of GLA in your body. GLA helps produce prostaglandins – hormone-like substances responsible for regulating inflammation, blood clotting, pain perception,and other functions.

Just like NSAIDs such as ibuprofen can help reduce menstrual cramps by decreasing prostaglandin production,so too does EPO potentially work through its effects on these compounds.

However,there are differing opinions on whether or not taking EPO actually reduces PMS-related discomforts for everyone, with some studies suggesting inconclusive results while others promising possible benefits justifying further study: “Despite conflicting evidence about their clinical effectiveness…(1)

Benefits

Relieve Menstrual Symptoms

One potential benefit of taking EPO during your period involves alleviating menstrual symptoms such as menstrual cramps, breast tenderness,and fluid retention, commonly seen with PMS. These symptoms are believed to be caused by hormonal imbalances such as excess prostaglandins.

Regulate Hormones

EPO is also thought to help regulate hormones that cause menstrual issues like irregular cycles or heavy flows. This could potentially help reduce bloating and fatigue during menstruation, giving you a better overall sense of well-being throughout your period.

Risk Factors

Despite the potential benefits, there are associated risks when taking EPO supplements:

Blood Clotting

If you have a bleeding disorder or take blood-thinning medication, you may want to avoid using evening primrose oil due to its effect on clotting factors in the body.

Allergic Reaction

Some people have an allergic reaction when using EPO supplements including stomach pain,headache, nausea, skin rash, etc: ” Potential side effects of evening…(2)

Dosage

When considering taking any new supplement for your health needs it important first look at recommended dosages before use so let’s see what dosage guidelines are available for EPO by examining recent parties findings:

Adults:
– Standard daily dose ranges from 1 gram (1000mg) up to 3 grams taken once per day.
– Initially starting out small (usually around 500 -1,000 mg per day) and increasing slowly over several weeks has been suggested as a safe approach)
– To experience best effects suggest dosing regimen requirement includes spreading intake throughout the day into three even portions
(about 400-1000 mg each time)

As always speak with your doctor prior to beginning taking any new substance so they may give personalized recommendations based upon pre-existing medical conditions other medications being consumed alongside Evening Primrose Oil usage history ultimate goals and discomfort levels related specifically towards recurring pain generated action originating menstrual periods.

In conclusion, while there are some promising studies suggesting that taking EPO may help alleviate menstrual symptoms ranging from breast tenderness to bloating and cramping, other research is still inconclusive about this supplement’s efficacy in women specifically during menstruation. Always consult your healthcare provider when considering adding such supplements into one’s daily self-care routines, especially those under professional care for chronic conditions already. It might also be wise to try out smaller doses at the outset giving yourself time to adjust or otherwise observe adverse effects before increasing gradually as needed/directed by a health practitioner.

References

1.University of Michigan Health Library: Evening Primrose Oil
2. National Institute of Health (NIH) – Evening Primrose Oil

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