Evening primrose oil is widely available through health-food shops, pharmacists and, in the UK, can be obtained on prescription for the treatment of breast pain (mastalgia). It is not available on prescription for the treatment of PMS but if you have cyclical breast pain your doctor may consider prescribing it.
Although it is effective at treating breast pain, the evidence for its effect on other PMS symptoms is not so clear. A recent article in the British Medical Journal said that, while questions remain about how evening primrose oil should be used, it was an ‘interesting substance’ and ‘showed promise’ in the treatment of PMS. So if s worth trying.
The recommended level for treatment of breast pain is three to four ‘prescription dose’ capsules, taken twice a day. The prescription dose is 40mg of gamma-linolenic-acid (GLA), the main active ingredient in evening primrose oil. But don’t expect instant results. It can take up to three months to see any improvement The usual course of treatment is six to twelve months, although some women find it helpful to carry on.
If you are buying evening primrose oil for self-treatment it is important to buy capsules with the right dose for your needs. Capsules sold in the shops usually contain 250mg or 500mg of evening primrose oil but only the 500mg preparation contains 40mg of OLA so make sure you check the label.
You will need to take two or three 500mg capsules twice daily after food. It Is usually recommended that you start taking the capsules from three days before the expected start of your symptoms until your period is fully under way. But if you have erratic cycles, or have had a hysterectomy, or your symptoms are very severe, then you may be advised to take the capsules right through the month.
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