Does evening primrose oil help with anxiety during perimenopause?

Some women find that evening primrose oil helps manage anxiety during perimenopause, though individual results vary. The connection between evening primrose oil and anxiety involves how this supplement interacts with the hormonal and neurochemical pathways that become disrupted during perimenopause.

The evidence for using evening primrose oil specifically for anxiety ranges from anecdotal reports to clinical studies. What matters most is whether it works for your body. Many supplements need 4 to 8 weeks of consistent use before you can fairly evaluate their effect on symptoms like anxiety.

If you want to try evening primrose oil for anxiety: Start with a lower dose, choose a reputable brand with third-party testing, and track your anxiety severity daily so you have objective data. Continue your other management strategies (sleep, exercise, stress reduction) while testing evening primrose oil so you can isolate its effect.

Always check with your healthcare provider before starting evening primrose oil, especially if you take other medications or have existing health conditions.