Application and effectiveness of Prim oil / Evening Primrose oil/ in premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual chest pain (cyclic mastalgia): disorders of essential fatty acids (EFAs) metabolism

“I envy men”. I doubt there is even one woman, who has not had such a thought, especially in the days right before her period. Physiological and psychological symptoms, which take place in that period of the month are generally called “Premenstrual Syndrome” (PMS). Even though the first scientific description on the matter has been published in the 1930s, the problem has been accounted for since ancient Greece. 

According to different sources, between 30 and 70% of women experience, to a different extent, changes in their bodies and mood, which start after ovulation (the median of two menstruations) and practically disappear with the start of the next menstrual bleeding. For some women there is a prevalence of emotional symptoms -  depression, irritability, disrupted concentration, insomnia, shifts in sex drive. Other, on the other hand, experience more physical discomforts – retention of fluids, increased appetite, swelling of breasts, headache, skin problems, abdominal pain, etc. 

Over two hundred symptoms, combinations of which greatly vary, have been described up until now. Nonetheless, the importance lays with the fact that 5 to 8% of women of reproductive age face serious challenges to perform their daily duties throughout this monthly period. Changes in the female organism certainly affect family relations (partner, kids), as well as professional affairs. During this period, it is common that symptoms of chronic conditions, such as bronchial asthma, migraine, allergies, etc., intensify. Despite being widely discussed and well – described, PMS indications have no unambiguous explanation yet. 

Most theories on the matter are based on premenstrual hormonal changes in the female body. However, lab tests show minor changes in sex hormone levels in women with discomforts, and those without. What is more, the variations in both groups seem to be within the physiological norm. There have been no deviations from the norm in the levels of pituitary hormone, various vitamins and substances involved in the transmission of nerve impulses to the brain either.  Nevertheless, it is a fact that after oophorectomy (surgical removal of the ovaries), PMS symptoms disappear. 

There are also purely psychological theories, explaining PMS symptoms with one’s attitude towards menstruation. The lack of clarity of what causes PMS determines the lack of a universal treatment for the condition. Hormonal therapy, which blocks ovulation (hormonal contraceptives) is suitable for some women. However, “the pill” is not recommended for everyone, plus it has no effect on psychological symptoms. Another medical approach is the usage of mild diuretics, which remove retained liquids. Antidepressants modulate mood swings. Often women opt for painkillers, primarily nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pills. The systematic use of such medications, though, has side effects and contraindications, and they don’t always help. A lifestyle change is also appropriate – limiting alcohol, smaller feeding intervals with moderate portions, limiting salt, vegetable – rich diet, aerobic exercises – swimming cycling, yoga…

 Natural dietary supplements have a central role in the wholesome PMS treatment. Application of such substances is based on researches on the decrease of complaints after increased ingestion of essential fatty acids (EFA). EFAs cannot be naturally synthesized in our bodies, thus we must ingest them through food. They are the building blocks of cell membrane and some hormone-like substances – prostaglandins. They also control inflammation, pain, blood clotting, blood pressure and the allocation of liquid in the human body. 

Prim oil is product, extracted from Evening Primrose seeds, particularly rich in EFA. The plant is used in traditional medicine as a remedy for insomnia, migraines, coughs, urinary tract infections, rheumatism and panic attacks. In addition to being valued for its delicate aroma and decorative purpose, Primrose is ingested as decoction from its flowers, root syrup, wine, and as a compress. North American Indians used the roots of the plant as food and prepare a coffee – like tonic drink from its seeds.  

Cold-pressed seed oil is rich in omega-6, 74% of which are linolenic acid (LA) and 10% are gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). After being ingested with food, LA transforms into GLA. It is this form that is the active ingredient of prostaglandins’ production. A number of researches indicate that during PMS LA levels are equal or higher that the norm, while GLA is in deficit. Various health problems, alcohol intake, viral infections, aging, heat treatment of fats and other reasons delay or block catalysis of LA to GLA, thus causing prostaglandin deficiency. 

Researches prove the correlation between daily intake of GLA-rich Primrose oil and a notable reduction of premenstrual headache, depression and irritability. The results from of such clinical trials are treated with care, since a great deal (over half) of the participants show signs of symptoms improvement with placebo treatment, especially during the first few months. However, a lengthier follow-up indicated that women, who had taken 2-3 gr of primrose oil, had a significant improvement of physical and psychological PMS symptoms, compared to the placebo group. 

There has been a notable result for swollen breast complaints and nipple sensitivity. A six-month Prim oil ingestion reduces symptoms for 2/3 of patients and is recommended for fibrocystic breast condition. Additional GLA intake is also applicable to improvement of menopause discomforts and pregnancy – when the mother’s body needs more EFAs in order to build fetal tissues. It also reduces the chance of preeclampsia development in pregnant women. Primrose oil also improves skin health by improving hydration, accelerating eczema treatment and protecting it against oxidative stress.