Publication: The effects of evening primrose oil on menopausal symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
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Date
2021
Authors
Christelle, Karen
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Abstract
Introduction : Evening primrose oil has been a treatment option for reducing menopausal symptoms but evidence for its use is inadequate. Objective : To determine the effectiveness of evening primrose oil in treating menopausal symptoms among peri and postmenopausal women. Methodology : The study design is a systematic review with meta-analyses of randomized controlled clinical trials. We searched CENTRAL, Medline, Embase and trial registries for relevant randomized clinical trials. The methodology and reporting were carried out grounded on references from the Cochrane collaboration and the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses statement. Review manager version 5.3.5 was used to perform all the statistical analyses. Results : Five randomized clinical trials, recruiting a total of 402 peri and postmenopausal women were identified. There was no difference between evening primrose oil and control for the frequency of daily vasomotor symptoms (MD 0.01 episodes; 95% CI -0.54 to 0.57; P=0.960; two trials; I2 = 38%), frequency of daytime hot flash episodes (MD -0.51 episodes; 95% CI -2.05 to 1.03; P=0.510; two trials, I2 = 87%), frequency of night sweat episodes per day (MD 0.33 episodes; 95% CI -0.48 to 1.13; P=0.430; two trials, I2=74%) and severity of vasomotor symptoms (SMD -0.45; 95% CI -1.56 to 0.66; P=0.420, four trials; I2 = 95%). EPO may reduce the severity of overall menopausal symptoms (SMD -1.18; 95% CI-2.18 to -0.18, P=0.02, two trials, I2 = 91%). There was no significant difference for the occurrence of nausea (RR 5.94; 95% CI 0.74 to 48.00; P=0.090; I2 = 0%). There were insufficient data to pool results for musculoskeletal symptoms, mood, sexuality, sleeping disorders and quality of life. Conclusion : Evening primrose oil may reduce the severity of overall menopausal symptoms but is not effective to reduce the frequency and severity of vasomotor symptoms. The evidence quality ranged from very low to moderate. Further research is needed to enhance related evidence.
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Keywords
evening primrose oil , menopause