Description:

Evening Primrose Oil Woman’s Health by Vitamin Store is a dietary supplement containing pure evening primrose oil, rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). It is marketed specifically for women’s health to help relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), breast tenderness, menopausal hot flashes, hormonal imbalance, dry skin, eczema, and mild inflammatory conditions. It supports skin health, hormonal balance, and general well-being.

Prescription:

• No prescription required (over-the-counter dietary supplement).

Therapeutic Category:

• Dietary supplement / Essential fatty acid supplement (source of omega-6 fatty acids, particularly GLA, for women’s hormonal and skin support).

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) standardized to contain 8–10% gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Typical per capsule: 500 mg or 1000 mg evening primrose oil (providing ~40–100 mg GLA depending on strength). Other ingredients: Gelatin capsule shell, glycerin, purified water (softgel form).

Vitamins: Not present (no added vitamins; natural trace vitamin E may be present in the oil as a natural antioxidant).

Minerals: Not present.

Variant:

• Commonly sold as 500 mg or 1000 mg softgel capsules (Vitamin Store brand often offers 1000 mg per capsule with 10% GLA); available in 30s, 60s, or 90s bottle packs.

Consume Type:

• Oral (softgel capsule).

Directions/Usage:

Adults: Take 1–2 capsules (500–2000 mg EPO daily) with food or as directed by a healthcare provider.

• PMS/menstrual discomfort: 1000–3000 mg daily (start 7–10 days before period).
• Menopause/hot flashes: 1000–2000 mg daily.
• Skin conditions: 1000–3000 mg daily. Swallow whole with water. Best taken with meals to improve absorption and reduce stomach upset. Use consistently for 8–12 weeks for noticeable effects.

Common Side Effects:

• Mild gastrointestinal upset (nausea, diarrhea, bloating, stomach pain), headache, or soft stools. Rare: Allergic reactions (rash, itching), increased bleeding tendency (especially with high doses or blood-thinning medications), or lowered seizure threshold in epilepsy patients.

Package Type:

• Plastic bottle with screw cap containing 30, 60, or 90 softgel capsules.

Storage Advice:

• Store in a cool, dry place below 25–30°C, away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep bottle tightly closed. Keep out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Consult a doctor before use if pregnant, breastfeeding, on blood-thinning medications (e.g., warfarin, aspirin), antiplatelet drugs, or have epilepsy (GLA may lower seizure threshold), bleeding disorders, or upcoming surgery (stop 2 weeks before due to potential bleeding risk). Not recommended for children unless prescribed. May interact with phenothiazines or increase risk of seizure in susceptible individuals. Discontinue if severe side effects occur. Not evaluated by FDA for treating or preventing disease—use as supplement only.

Product Substitutes:

• Vitamin Store Evening Primrose Oil 1000 mg (same brand)
• Other EPO brands in Ghana: HealthAid Evening Primrose Oil, Solgar EPO, Nature’s Bounty EPO, or generic evening primrose oil capsules
• Similar GLA sources: Borage oil capsules, Blackcurrant seed oil
• Local alternatives: Any EPO 500–1300 mg softgels sold at Scab Pharmacy or pharmacies in Accra. Consult a pharmacist for availability and equivalents.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

• Vitamin Store

Country of Origin:

• India