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Dosage of evening primrose oil for breast pain

breast pain

Evening primrose oil has been widely used in the treatment of breast pain, also known as breast tenderness or mastalgia. Evening primrose oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is very important for woman´s health. It is believed that women, who suffer from cyclical breast pain, have low levels of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and consumption of evening primrose oil may help to compensate lack of own GLA. Research showed a difference in breast pain improvement with the treatments by evening primrose oil. [1]

Why evening primrose oil can help with cyclic breast pain

Breast pain is very common: in fact, nearly 70 percent of women suffer from breast pain. Breast pain can be subdivided into two types: cyclic and non-cyclic. Cyclic breast pain develops in the days before a period. Pain can occur in one or both breasts (although the cyclic pain in most of the times is felt in both breasts), or in the underarm. It can be mild or quite severe and is typically described as tenderness, burning or tightening feeling of the breast tissue. Usually, the 3-5 days prior to a period are the worst in terms of pain. However, some women can start to feel the pain up to 1-2 weeks before a period.

Why is this happening? Breast tissue is affected by hormones which control our monthly menstrual cycle. From the time of ovulation, usually, about halfway between the period, the hormone level builds up and then rapidly falls once the period starts. These hormonal changes make the breast tissue more sensitive, which can cause pain [2].


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Pain that is not related to periods – non-cyclical. It can be caused by many conditions, such as stress, bad posture, larger breasts, etc. Be sure to check with your health care professional if any of the symptoms continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them.

Evening primrose oil has long been associated with stabilizing women´s hormonal level and, consequently, helping to reduce or cure cyclic breast pain. Once processed in the body, gamma-linolenic acid from evening primrose oil exerts powerful anti-inflammatory and other healing actions. This anti-inflammatory effect can soothe pain and shrink lumps.

Dosage of evening primrose oil for breast pain

Medical research on the effectiveness of evening primrose oil supplements and its possible benefits regarding the treatment of breast pain recommend the following dosage [1]:

  • 3,000 mg of evening primrose oil per day

  • The earliest period after benefit of the treatment can be assessed is 6 weeks. However, the study [1] suggests, that evening primrose oil to reduce breast pain should be taken for 6 months.

Contents of evening primrose oil per capsule may vary depending on the producer. Therefore, always pay attention to the information regarding the oil content. For example, to cover the daily need of 3000 mg with 500mg capsules, you would have to take 6 capsules per day. Whereas with 1000mg you would have to take only 3 capsules of evening primrose oil per day. And the 1300mg content of GLA will cover your daily need with 2 capsules only.

How to choose the best evening primrose oil with the highest concentration of GLA? Here we selected 10 Best Evening Primrose Oil Supplements.

Best evening primrose oil for breast pain

primrose oil breast painEvening primrose oil content: 1300 mg

Capsules per bottle: 120

Daily dosage for breast pain: 2 capsules

6 month supply: 3 packages

Price: $, check on Amazon

 

epo breast tendernessEvening primrose oil content: 1300 mg

Capsules per bottle: 120

Daily dosage for breast pain: 2 capsules

6 month supply: 3 packages

Price: $$, check on Amazon

solgar evening primrose oilEvening primrose oil content: 1300 mg

Capsules per bottle: 60

Daily dosage for breast pain: 2 capsules

6 month supply: 6 packages

Price: $$$, check on Amazon

cold pressed epoEvening primrose oil content: 1350 mg

Capsules per bottle: 120

Daily dosage for breast pain: 2 capsules

6 month supply: 3 packages

Price: $, check on Amazon


Disclaimer: The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice; the content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. 


1. Pruthi S, Wahner-Roedler DL, Torkelson CJ, et al. Vitamin E and evening primrose oil for management of cyclical mastalgia: a randomized pilot study. Altern Med Rev. 2010;15(1):59-67.

2. https://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/bcc71_breast_pain_web.pdf

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