Hot flashes are periods where there is a sudden increase in body heat and feelings of warmth. They are an unpleasant symptom for some women going through menopause. Since there is no cure for hot flashes, treatment is aimed at reducing symptoms. In some cases, hot flashes are mild, while for others they can interfere with work and sleep. There is no one treatment option that works for all, and some turn to evening primrose to control hot flashes. However, this herb can interact with other medications and cause side effects, so it should only be used under a doctor's supervision.
Identification
At the base of the brain is a structure called the hypothalamus, which performs many functions, including regulating the temperature of the body. While the exact cause of hot flashes remains unknown, it appears that the drop in estrogen levels that occurs during menopause seems to trigger a malfunction in the hypothalamus in some women, states MayoClinic.com. The body thinks it is overheating and tries to cool itself off by sending heat to the surface and causing the body to sweat. Hot flashes can also cause the skin to become red, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, weakness and dizziness. Every case is different in terms of severity, frequency and duration of the hot flashes. Some women do not require any treatment, while for others the symptoms are severe enough that treatment is required.
Considerations
Evening primrose is usually manufactured in oil form. The oil is taken from the seeds of the evening primrose plant and used to make capsules. Evening primrose oil contains essential fatty acids, which are known to decrease inflammation; however, its effectiveness in treating hot flashes has not yet been proven, reports MedlinePlus. While it is generally considered safe for most, evening primrose oil can cause upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea and headache in some patients.
Benefits
According to BreastCancer.org, some women do experience relief when taking evening primrose oil, because evening primrose is a plant estrogen. Taking this herb may help to raise estrogen levels in the body, which can ease the symptoms. However, since there is no research to back up the claims or to ensure the safety of this herb, it is best to learn to avoid triggers, manage stress, eat a well-balanced diet, get regular exercise and learn tips to help cool the body off. Various prescription medications are designed to reduce symptoms as well.
Warnings
Evening primrose oil is not considered safe for pregnant women, and women who are breastfeeding may need to avoid it. MedlinePlus recommends speaking with a physician before taking evening primrose oil because it can increase bleeding and cause seizures in those with seizure disorders, and it can negatively interact with various medications and other herbal remedies. Since there are no studies to back up the effectiveness of evening primrose oil, there are no guidelines as to how much is safe to take. However, taking 3g to 4g daily has been recommended, to possibly reduce breast pain.
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