Hot flushes - thoughts on Evening Primrose?

[MaryStuart]

Periods have been erratic for a good while now, and now the hot flushes and night sweats have started.
I called my GP yesterday to discuss options.
She’s arranging for various tests (good, including a trans-vaginal scan for the erratic periods - is this usual?) Plus hormonal blood tests etc…
And suggested Evening Primrose for the hot flushes and night sweats. I was just wondering if anyone has used this and most importantly, does it work?
I’m really struggling at night. My sleep is so disrupted.
(I’ve also ordered a new lighter tog duvet, and have my fan on all the time). But just want to try and get my sleep sorted.
Help!

Yes it worked for me instantly. I also take a multivitamin and a b complex. I take 2 x 1000mg and it has vitamin E, 27mg included. It stopped the night sweats that night and has helped enormously with anxiety.

@MaryStuart

Periods have been erratic for a good while now, and now the hot flushes and night sweats have started. I called my GP yesterday to discuss options. She’s arranging for various tests (good, including a trans-vaginal scan for the erratic periods - is this usual?) Plus hormonal blood tests etc… And suggested Evening Primrose for the hot flushes and night sweats. I was just wondering if anyone has used this and most importantly, does it work? I’m really struggling at night. My sleep is so disrupted. (I’ve also ordered a new lighter tog duvet, and have my fan on all the time). But just want to try and get my sleep sorted. Help!

Sadly your GP sounds rather uneducated on menopause. If you are over 45, you do not need blood tests. NICE stated this almost 7 years ago as guidance for HCP.

Ditto the scan. Not necessary if you are in peri.

Meno is now diagnosed on symptoms- mainly but not always erratic cycles and hot flushes, as well as mood swings and depression.

Evening primrose has not shown any efficacy in trials for menopause. It IS suggested for breast pain either as part of PMS or when it occurs for unknown reasons (which have already been investigated.)

I'd swap to another GP who knows about menopause as this one doesn't.

EPO also takes at least 3 months to start working . It's not a quick fix.

@Plinkplonk1234 - that’s good to read, thanks.

@JinglingHellsBells - thanks.
I’m under 45, just! 44.
My GP is great generally. So I’d be reluctant to move from her. But I’m aware menopause isn’t always dealt with in the best fashion on the NHS. So I’m interested in what others have found has helped.
Or, I don’t mind paying to get it sorted, if that’s what it takes.

I take Evening Primrose capsules because I heard, and read somewhere, it is good for the skin skin. Years ago, when I had periods, I took it to help with PMT. I didn't know it was recommended for perimenopausal symptoms, that is interesting. I am well past that stage now, thankfully.

It makes a pleasant change for a GP to recommend natural remedies for perimenopausal symptoms rather than pushing you onto HRT straight away.

Do try taking evening primrose, buy from a reputable source and a good dose; you'll find all the info if you google. I hope it works for you, good luck!

The RCOG (royal college gynaecologists) had a leaflet on their website which covered all herbs and supplements. They had studied all the research and found no science to support EPO for menopause. TBH if it worked it would be prescribed.

This is the extract from their paper on it ( easily found if you google their site and 'alternatives')

5.1.3 Evening primrose oil
Evening primrose oil is rich in gamma-linolenic and linolenic acid. Even though it is widely used by women, there is no evidence for its efficacy in the menopause. One small randomised placebo-controlled
trial has shown it to be ineffective for treating hot flushes.53
Scientific Impact Paper No. 6 5 of 13 © Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

I think when I researched it it might actually be the vitamin E? Which is always in Eve prom.

I’ve bought some Evening Primrose - it’s worth a shot. Thanks to everyone who has responded.
Hopefully that and my new 4.5 tog duvet will help! 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

@MaryStuart

I’ve bought some Evening Primrose - it’s worth a shot. Thanks to everyone who has responded. Hopefully that and my new 4.5 tog duvet will help! 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

You need to be prepared for the long haul.

These types of products take at least 3 months. They are fatty acids and the effects on the brain take weeks .

TBH if your symptoms are mainly to do with heat, you ought to be looking at Black cohosh .

I'd take note of the RCOG rather than your GP and they say it doesn't work.

I take red clover capsules and they definitely help with flushes.

Try sage leaf tablets, they work wonders for night sweats. I'm on HRT now so they've gone fortunately