Randomised trial, 1983
Does evening primrose oil help premenstrual syndrome?
Yes. Studies found evening primrose oil highly effective for depression, irritability, breast pain, and fluid retention. The strongest evidence comes from 3 double-blind controlled trials.
What they did
Five studies testing evening primrose oil (which contains gamma-linolenic acid): 3 double-blind placebo-controlled studies, 1 large open study in women who had failed other treatments, and 1 large open study in women with new cases.
What they found
Evening primrose oil demonstrated highly effective treatment for depression, irritability, breast pain and tenderness, and fluid retention associated with premenstrual syndrome across all studies.
What it means for you
Evening primrose oil may help premenstrual syndrome symptoms, particularly mood and physical symptoms. However, the evidence is mixed because only 3 of the 5 studies were double-blind, and 2 were open unblinded studies. Other nutrients like magnesium and vitamin B6 may enhance this effect.
3
Double-blind placebo-controlled studies
2
Open unblinded studies
About the study
- Original title
- The role of essential fatty acids and prostaglandins in the premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Horrobin DF
- Journal
- The Journal of reproductive medicine
- Year
- 1983
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- What was tested
- Evening primrose oil
- Read the paper
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6350579/
Topics
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