Navigating the changes of midlife and menopause can sometimes bring shifts in mood. Many women look for ways to support their emotional well-being during this time.
This article explores two commonly discussed botanical options, evening primrose oil (EPO) and St. John’s wort, in the context of mood support during the menopausal transition. We’ll look at what is currently understood about their potential roles, keeping in mind that research in this specific area is still developing.
Understanding Menopausal Mood Shifts
The menopausal transition, often characterized by fluctuating hormone levels, can influence various aspects of a woman’s health, including mood. It’s not uncommon for women to experience feelings of irritability, anxiety, or low mood during this time. These experiences can be part of the broader physiological and emotional adjustments that occur as the body transitions.
While these mood changes are a recognized aspect of menopause for many, the intensity and specific nature of these experiences can vary greatly from person to person. Exploring different approaches to support emotional well-being is a common part of navigating this life stage.
Evening Primrose Oil: A Look at Its Potential Role for Mood
Evening primrose oil (EPO) is derived from the seeds of the evening primrose plant (Oenothera biennis) and is known for its gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content, an omega-6 fatty acid. EPO has been explored for various aspects of women’s health.
Mood has been studied directly in menopausal women taking evening primrose oil. A triple-blind randomised clinical trial assigned 100 menopausal women to either two 1 g evening primrose oil pearls daily or placebo and tracked the psychological subscale of the Menopause Rating Scale. Median scores in the treatment group fell from 11 before the intervention to 6 at two weeks and 3 at four weeks, while the placebo group recorded 11, 10 and 11, a significant difference at both follow-up points [1]. This is one small, short, single-centre trial, so it is an encouraging signal rather than an established effect. It is often discussed more broadly in relation to general menopausal discomforts rather than as a targeted intervention for mood.
Many women choose to incorporate EPO as part of a broader approach to menopausal health, but it’s important to understand that its role in directly improving mood during this period is not well-defined by current research.
St. John’s Wort: Exploring its Use for Mood
St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is an herb that has been studied more extensively than EPO for its potential effects on mood. It is often discussed in the context of mild to moderate low mood.
St. John’s wort has also been trialled in menopausal women with mood as a measured outcome. A randomised controlled trial of 80 postmenopausal women aged 45 to 60 gave Hypericum perforatum or placebo three times daily for two months and found that the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and the Kupperman index all fell significantly in the treatment group, alongside a significant reduction in the intensity of depression on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale [2]. An earlier randomised pilot trial in symptomatic perimenopausal women found a non-significant difference in hot flash frequency at three months but significantly better menopause-specific quality of life in the St. John’s wort group [3]. Both are small trials, and its mechanism of action is thought to involve certain neurotransmitters.
It’s also very important to be aware of the significant potential for interactions between St. John’s wort and numerous prescription medications, including antidepressants, oral contraceptives, and blood thinners. This makes careful consideration and discussion with a healthcare provider absolutely essential before using St. John’s wort.
Comparing Evening Primrose Oil and St. John’s Wort for Menopausal Mood
When considering evening primrose oil and St. John’s wort for mood support during menopause, it’s clear that they operate differently and have different levels of supporting evidence for mood-related concerns. EPO is generally considered a broader supplement for overall well-being, and its direct evidence for menopausal mood rests on a single small randomised trial.
St. John’s wort has been tested in menopausal women with mood outcomes too, and no randomised trial has compared it with evening primrose oil head to head, so the two cannot be ranked against each other from any measured result. Each has small positive trials on menopausal mood, measured with different instruments in different populations, which is a weak basis for preferring either. Crucially, St. John’s wort carries a higher risk of drug interactions compared to evening primrose oil, making it a more complex option to consider.
Neither of these options should be seen as a replacement for conventional medical care or professional advice regarding mood concerns during menopause. Their roles are best understood as potential complementary approaches, always with careful consideration and professional guidance.
Safety Considerations and Professional Guidance
The safety profiles of evening primrose oil and St. John’s wort differ. Evening primrose oil is generally considered safe for most people when taken as directed, though mild side effects like digestive upset can occur. However, St. John’s wort has a much more complex safety profile due to its potential for numerous and serious interactions with prescription medications. This makes it imperative to consult a healthcare provider before considering St. John’s wort.
For any persistent or concerning mood changes during menopause, seeking advice from a doctor or mental health professional is always the most appropriate first step. They can help identify the underlying causes of mood shifts and recommend the most suitable and safest course of action, which may include lifestyle adjustments, therapy, or medication.
Discussing any supplements you are considering with your healthcare provider is vital to ensure they are appropriate for your individual health situation and will not interact negatively with any other medications or conditions you may have.
References
- Effect of Evening Primrose Oil on Postmenopausal Psychological Symptoms: A Triple-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial. Journal of menopausal medicine, 2021
- The effect of Hypericum perforatum on postmenopausal symptoms and depression: A randomized controlled trial. Complementary therapies in medicine, 2019
- Effects of Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort) on hot flashes and quality of life in perimenopausal women: a randomized pilot trial. Menopause (New York, N.Y.), 2009
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice; consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
