What it is
Evening Primrose Oil is a supplement derived from the seeds of the Oenothera biennis plant, rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). It is used to address hormonal imbalances and related symptoms.
Supplement · Women's Hormonal Health
Evening Primrose Oil (GLA)
1000 mg · vegan · gluten-free · 90 caps
pmsinflammationskin-breakouts ovaryliver
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How it works
GLA is converted in the body to prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that regulate various physiological processes. These include inflammation, hormone signaling, and skin barrier function.
Who should take it
Adults looking to address hormonal imbalance, low libido, irregular cycles. Particularly relevant for people who prefer a targeted single ingredient and who have ruled out an underlying condition that needs medical care first.
Avoid / careful
Pregnant or nursing women without clinician oversight. People on prescription medication affecting the same pathway should consult a doctor before combining. Side effects are uncommon at recommended doses but mild GI upset can occur when starting.
When to take it
Morning
Noon
Evening
Night
How to take it
With food
Empty stomach
Before food
FAQs
Frequently asked
How long does it take to see results from Evening Primrose Oil?
Visible effects on hormonal balance and related symptoms typically emerge within 4 to 12 weeks of consistent daily intake.
Can Evening Primrose Oil help with acne?
Yes, Evening Primrose Oil may help manage hormonal acne by influencing inflammatory pathways and hormone balance, potentially reducing breakouts.
Is Evening Primrose Oil safe for long-term use?
At recommended doses, it is generally considered safe for long-term use. However, consulting a healthcare professional for personalized advice is always recommended.
Research
6 studies · 2010–2024
Evidence grade
ABCD
B · B · emerging-to-moderate human evidence for hormonal balance
From the blog
Editorial notes
SacredBod's longer take on Evening Primrose Oil (GLA) — context the structured blocks above don't capture.
About Evening Primrose Oil (GLA)
Evening Primrose Oil (GLA) is a women’s hormonal health supplement used to support hormonal balance. GLA-rich oil for PMS, skin and hormones. It is available in softgel form and dosed for adults in India and internationally. As a western-tradition entry in the SacredBod catalog, it is positioned as a single-ingredient option that can be used on its own or layered into a broader protocol. Evening Primrose Oil (GLA) works through the mechanisms characteristic of its class — see the mechanism and research sections for detail. It primarily acts on the endocrine system, thyroid, reproductive system, and effects are dose-dependent, typically becoming measurable within 4-12 weeks for hormonal shifts. Consistency matters more than dose size for this category.
Evidence
Evening Primrose Oil (GLA) carries an evidence grade of B in the SacredBod catalog, reflecting good-but-limited human evidence for hormonal balance. GLA-rich oil for PMS, skin and hormones. Benefits are cumulative rather than immediate, typically becoming noticeable within 4-12 weeks for hormonal shifts, and individual response varies.
Dosing
A typical dose is 1000 mg, taken with food, usually in the morning. Start at the lower end, assess tolerance, and stay consistent; more is not automatically better.
Cautions
Pregnant or nursing women without clinician oversight. People on prescription medication affecting the same pathway should consult a doctor before combining. Side effects are uncommon at recommended doses but mild GI upset can occur when starting.
Who it’s for
Adults looking to address hormonal imbalance, low libido, irregular cycles. Particularly relevant for people who prefer a targeted single ingredient and who have ruled out an underlying condition that needs medical care first.
As part of the Women’s Hormonal Health category, Evening Primrose Oil (GLA) can be used on its own or layered into a broader protocol — see the Goes with panel for evidence-aligned pairings.
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