Primeve Plus is South Africa’s number one evening primrose oil supplement1. Find out how it can help you.
Primeve Plus is a nutritional supplement that is designed for woman of all ages (9 years and older). It may assist with alleviating specific symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and Menopause, but also acts as a general well-being supplement to maintain overall female health i.e. healthy hair, nails and skin.
PMS
PMS is a group of symptoms linked to the menstrual cycle2 of woman of any age (average onset of 12 years3), and occurs one to two weeks before a woman’s period starts, and usually go away once bleeding commences2. The severity of the symptoms may be different for each woman2. An estimated 80-90% of women experience symptoms of PMS4.
The exact causes are not clear, but several factors may be involved2:
- Changes in hormones during menstrual cycle as well as chemical changes in the brain.
- Stress and emotional problems may worsen the symptoms.
- Low levels of vitamins and minerals. Eating a lot of salty foods may cause fluid retention.
- Drinking alcohol and caffeine may also alter mood and influence energy levels.
PMS symptoms can be both physical and emotional, and may include2:
- Acne
- Swollen or tender breasts
- Feeling tired
- Trouble sleeping
- Upset stomach, bloating, constipation, or diarrhoea
- Headache or backache
- Appetite changes or food cravings
- Joint or muscle pain
- Trouble with concentration or memory
- Tension, irritability, mood swings, or crying spells
- Anxiety or depression
Four premenstrual tension categories
Each category has a different incidence and different symptoms5:
- Anxiety i.e. irritability and mood changes
- Hyperhydration i.e. breast swelling and tenderness
- Craving i.e. increased appetite
- Depression i.e. crying, forgetfulness and insomnia
The two most common categories are anxiety and hyperhydration.
Menopause
This is the point in time when a woman’s menstrual periods stop6. The years leading up to a woman’s last period is often referred to as menopause, but that time is actually called perimenopause6.
Periods can stop for a while and then start again, so a woman is considered to have entered menopause only after a full year without periods6.
After menopause, a woman can no longer fall pregnant, and during this time a woman will have changes in her levels of hormones i.e. oestrogen and progesterone. After menopause, a woman is in post menopause, which lasts for the rest of her life6.
For most women it occurs between the ages of 45 to 55 with the average age of onset being 516. After menopause women are more likely to have cardiovascular problems, mainly due to changes in oestrogen6. After menopause, loss in bone density may result in osteoporosis6.
The change in hormone levels causes various symptoms, which may begin before the menstrual cycle stops. Some symptoms can last for months or years after a woman’s period stops6.
Menopause symptoms6:
- Irregular periods
- Hot flashes
- Trouble sleeping
- Vaginal and urinary problems
- Mood changes
- Changes in sex drive
- Forgetfulness or trouble focusing
- Losing muscle and gaining fat
What is in Primeve Plus?
Evening primrose oil, magnesium, vitamin B6, Vitamin E and zinc which have the following benefits:
Evening primrose oil #**
- May be used to help improve and decrease the severity of cyclic mastalgia (breast tenderness)7
- May decrease the intensity of menopausal hot flashes8
Magnesium9
- Involved in normal psychological function
- Contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism
- Plays a role in reducing tiredness and fatigue
- Helps to balance electrolytes
- Maintains bones and muscle function
Vitamin B69
- Contributes to normal psychological function
- Assists with the regulation of hormonal activity
- Plays a role in energy yielding metabolism
- Contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system
- Plays a role in reducing tiredness and fatigue
Vitamin E10#
- A natural antioxidant essential for the maintenance of healthy skin
- Protects cells from the effects of free radicals
Zinc9
- Contributes to normal fertility and reproduction
- Helps to maintain healthy skin and nails
- Contributes to the maintenance of normal bones
- Helps to maintain immune function
Primeve Plus comes in pack sizes of 30, 60 and 90 Soft Gel Capsules and is available at Dis-Chem, Clicks and selected independent pharmacies throughout South Africa.
Disclaimer: Literature is included for information purposes only. These studies were not conducted using Primeve Plus.
#3000 mg Evening Primrose Oil and 1200 IU Vitamin E daily.
** 1000 mg Evening Primrose Oil daily.
The information contained within this leaflet is for education purposes only. Primeve Plus is used as a health supplement to support overall female health. Consult your healthcare provider prior to taking any health supplement.
References: 1. IMS:TPM Data (V3X, G2X and D11A/ Constructed Class). MAT FEB 2018. 2. Womenshealth.gov [Internet]: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) fact sheet [cited 2016 Nov 3]. Available from: https://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/premenstrual-syndrome.html. 3. Womenshealth.gov [Internet]: Menstruation and the menstrual cycle fact sheet [cited 2016 Nov 3]. Available from: https://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/factsheet/menstruation.html. 4. Fathizadeh, N. et al. Evaluating the effect of magnesium and magnesium plus vitamin B6 supplement on the severity of premenstrual syndrome. Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res 2010; 15(1):401-405. 5. Dean C, Steinberg SK, Sylvester WH, Medical Management of Premenstrual Syndrome. Adapted from: Abraham GE National Factors in the Etiology of the Premenstrual Tension Syndromes. J Reprod Med 1983; 28(7):446-464. 6. Womenshealth.gov [Internet]: Menopause and menopause treatments fact sheet [cited 2016 Nov 4 ]. Available from: https://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/ourpublications/factsheet/menopause-treatment.html. 7. Pruthi, S. et al. Vitamin E and evening primrose oil for management of cyclical mastalgia: a randomized pilot study. Alternat Med Rev 2010; 15(1):59-67. 8. Farzaneh F, Fatehi S, Sohrabi MR, Alizadeh K. The effect of oral evening primrose oil on menopausal hot flashes: a randomized clinical trial. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2013; 288(5):1075-1079. 9. MCC Guideline 7.04 Complementary Medicines- Health Supplements Safety & Efficacy, 2016; v2 p. 27, 32, 43, 44, 48, 49. 10. Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Centre [Internet]. Vitamin E and skin health [cited 2016 Nov 9]. Available from: http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/skin-health/vitamin-E.
Proprietary name (and dosage form): Primeve Plus capsules. Composition: Each capsule contains: 350 mg Evening Primrose Oil (providing 210 mg LA (Linoleic Acid), 27 mg GLA (Gamma-Linolenic Acid)), 60 mg Magnesium, 24 mg Vitamin B6, 15 IU Vitamin E, 4 mg Zinc.