Effect of Evening Primrose Oil on Postmenopausal Psychological Symptoms: A Triple-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVES: Psychological symptoms of menopause may impose a negative effect on the quality of life of menopausal women. Thus, the management of these symptoms can improve the quality of life and psychological health of such woman. The present study aimed to determine the effect of evening primrose on psychological symptoms in menopausal women. METHODS: In this triple-blind randomized clinical trial, the effect of the evening primrose oil on postmenopausal psychological symptoms was investigated. The subjects were 100 menopausal women, referred to a healthcare center in Dastena city (Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Iran), who were randomly assigned to two groups. The intervention group used two 1 g pearls of evening primrose oil daily. The study instruments included a sub-scale of Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). Menopause data were analyzed using an independent t-test and Friedman test by the SPSS software. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The two groups were balanced in demographic characteristics and psychological disorder severity before the intervention. The median (interquartile range) MRS score in the intervention group before the intervention and 2 and 4 weeks after the intervention were 11 (10–12), 6 (5–7), and 3 (2–4), respectively, and in the placebo, they were 11 (9–11), 10 (9–11), and 11 (10–12). A significant reduction was observed in the intervention group compared with the placebo group 2 and 4 weeks post-intervention. CONCLUSION: The use of evening primrose oil can decrease postmenopausal psychological symptoms.