Should Polycystic Ovaries Take Evening Primrose Oil?

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The seeds of evening primrose are rich in an omega-6 fatty acid called GLA (gamma-linolenic acid). Many health professionals believe that GLA and other omega fatty acids support healthy hormone balance, so it is recommended that people with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and polycystic ovaries take evening primrose oil.

1. Overview of Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose is a plant native to North and South America, gradually growing throughout Europe and parts of Asia. These flowers are yellow, blooming at dusk and dying during the day. The oil from the seeds of the evening primrose is used to make medicine.
Evening primrose oil is used for premenstrual syndrome (PMS), symptoms of menopause, arthritis, swelling, and other conditions. Even so, there is no scientific evidence to confirm its effectiveness.
In foods, the oil from evening primrose seeds is used as a source of essential fatty acids. This essential oil is also used in the manufacture of soaps and cosmetics.
In the UK, evening primrose oil was used to treat eczema and chest pain (3 - 4 grams/day). Because some women with this condition don't get enough of certain fatty acids. Furthermore, fatty acids are also capable of reducing inflammation caused by arthritis and eczema. Meanwhile, evening primrose oil is rich in fatty acids.
However, the UK Medicines Control Agency (MCA) has withdrawn the license for primrose products marketed as prescription drugs for this use. The reason for the recall was that there was not enough evidence that it actually worked. Although the manufacturers disagree, they have not yet published studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of evening primrose in the treatment and management of these conditions.

2. Other notes when using evening primrose oil

2.1. Side Effects and Safety

When taken by mouth: Evening primrose oil is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth in doses up to 6 grams per day. This essence may cause mild side effects, including stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, and headache in some people. When applied to the skin: Evening primrose is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people.

2.2. Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnant and lactating women Taking evening primrose oil is POSSIBLY SAFE during pregnancy. Taking up to 4 grams per day for about 10 weeks of pregnancy appears to be safe. But there aren't many studies confirming this yet. So it's best to avoid using it. Taking evening primrose oil in the last weeks of pregnancy can slow labor, so it shouldn't be used near the end of pregnancy.
See also: Evening primrose oil and pregnancy: Precautions
It is POSSIBLY SAFE to take evening primrose oil while breastfeeding, but it's best to consult your doctor first.
Children: Evening primrose is ABSOLUTELY SAFE for most people when applied to the skin and taken orally in doses up to 6 grams/day. Bleeding disorders: There is concern that evening primrose may increase the chance of bruising and bleeding. So do not use if you have a bleeding disorder. Epilepsy or another seizure disorder: There is concern that taking primrose at night makes some people more likely to have seizures. Schizophrenia: Seizures have been reported in people with schizophrenia treated with the drugs phenothiazine, GLA (a chemical found in evening primrose oil), and vitamin E. Consult by your doctor before you start taking it. Surgery: Evening primrose may increase the risk of bleeding during or after surgery. Discontinue use at least 2 weeks before scheduled surgery.

2.3. Drug interactions

Major Interactions Do not combine evening primrose oil with medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulants / Antiplatelet agents) to avoid increasing the risk of bruising and bleeding. Evening primrose oil contains GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) which slows blood clotting. Some medications that slow blood clotting include: aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin) , enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.
Moderate interactions Use caution when combining evening primrose oil with medications used in surgery (Anesthesia). One person who was taking evening primrose oil and other medications had a seizure during surgery. But there isn't enough information to know the exact cause of a seizure. Be sure to tell your doctor what natural products you are using before surgery. To be on the safe side, you should stop taking evening primrose oil at least 2 weeks before surgery.
Finally, taking evening primrose oil with phenothiazines might increase the risk of seizures in some people. Some phenothiazines include: chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), trifluoperazine (Stelazine), thioridazine (Mellaril), and others.

3. What medicine should polycystic ovary take?

In addition to evening primrose oil to help relieve menstrual pain, menstrual irregularities, improve cholesterol levels and oxidative stress associated with PCOS, patients can also take:

3.1. Food Supplements

Supplements are said to help with hormone regulation, insulin resistance, and inflammation associated with polycystic ovaries. However, it is important to consult your doctor before taking any supplements, as some can interfere with other prescribed medications and PCOS treatments.
Tips for people wondering what to take with PCOS include:
Inositol (Vitamin B8) Inositol is a B vitamin that can help improve insulin resistance. The drug has also been found to increase fertility in some women with PCOS.
Chromium Chromium supplements can improve your Body Mass Index (BMI), which helps with PCOS. The drug also has the ability to stabilize insulin resistance by helping the body metabolize sugar.
Cinnamon Cinnamon is obtained from the bark of the cinnamon tree. Cinnamon extract has been shown to have a positive effect on insulin resistance. Cinnamon may also regulate menstruation for women with PCOS.
Turmeric Curcumin - the active ingredient in turmeric, promises to reduce insulin resistance and fight inflammation.
Zinc Zinc is a trace element that can boost your fertility and immune system. Zinc also helps to improve excessive or unwanted hair loss. In addition to taking supplements, you can also eat red meat, beans, nuts and seafood to get more zinc in your daily menu.
Vitamin D and calcium combined Vitamin D is an important hormone for your endocrine system. Vitamin D deficiency is common in women with PCOS. Vitamin D and calcium can improve menstrual irregularities and aid in ovulation.

Cod liver oil Cod liver oil contains vitamins D and A, as well as large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. These acids can even out menstruation and get rid of fat around the waist.
Berberine Berberine is an herb extracted from the fern plant, used in Chinese medicine to help with insulin resistance. If you have PCOS, berberine can increase your metabolism and balance your body's hormonal responses.

3.2. Herbal

When your body cannot regulate insulin, this hormone can build up and increase male sex hormones - called androgens. Certain herbs help your body balance hormones and relieve other symptoms of PCOS, like irregular periods.
Despite some benefits, be cautious and talk to your doctor before taking any of the following herbs:
Maca Root The root of the maca plant - also known as Peruvian ginseng, is a type of herb. Traditional herbs used to enhance fertility and libido. Maca root can help balance hormones and reduce cortisol levels, as well as treat depression, a symptom of PCOS.
Ashwagandha Ashwagandha also known as Indian ginseng, helps balance cortisol levels, improve stress and symptoms of PCOS.
Basil Basil, also known as basil and known as the queen of herbs, helps to deal with chemical and metabolic stress. Basil can help lower blood sugar, prevent weight gain, and lower cortisol levels.
Licorice Root Licorice root contains a compound called glycyrrhizin, which has several unique properties. Licorice root has been suggested as an anti-inflammatory agent to help with sugar metabolism and hormone balance.
Tribulus Tribulus has been shown to stimulate ovulation and support healthy menstruation, as well as reduce the number of ovarian cysts.
Chasteberry (European Virgin) Chasteberry has been used for centuries to treat reproductive conditions, but more research is needed. This substance may improve some premenstrual symptoms.

3.3. Probiotics

Probiotics not only help with digestion and protect gut health, but can also play an important role in dealing with PCOS. This substance has the ability to reduce inflammation and regulate sex hormones such as androgens and estrogens. Consider taking a probiotic supplement and eating probiotic foods, like kimchi and kombucha.
While it may be helpful for people with PCOS to take evening primrose oil or other natural nutritional supplements, don't forget to consult your doctor first to develop a treatment plan. Overall, transitioning to a healthy lifestyle and working closely with your doctor through regular, scheduled appointments are the most important things you can do to help yourself.
To prevent complications caused by polycystic ovarian disease, patients need to have regular gynecological health check-ups to detect danger signs early and advise on effective treatment, nutrition, and lifestyle. live a suitable life, avoid affecting health and reproduction in the future.

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References: healthline.com, webmd.com, naturesbest.co.uk