After reading five web sites, I can find nothing on the internet suggesting that men should not take EPO. In fact, it is recommended for anyone sufferering inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, or alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Possible side effects are bloating or gastrointestinal discomfort. It should not be used by schizophrenics, pregnant women, or women who are nursing.
Benefits and side effects of evening primrose supplements

It would be helpful to our readers if statements regarding the effects of drugs and medicinal herbs were backed up by the source of information or personal experience.

kebod

that is what my md told me. How is it working for everyone else?

I bought some yesterday and it says take 3 tablets a day so im having one with every meal. ill let you know if it works.

Evening primrose has isoflavones (so does soy)
Evening Primrose - Herbs & Supplements - Drug Library - DrugDigest

"Chemicals called isoflavones, which belong to a larger class of plant chemicals known as phyto (plant-derived) estrogens, are contained in evening primrose oil. Because isoflavones are similar in shape to the female hormone, estrogen, they may attach to estrogen receptors--potentially displacing some of the natural estrogens in the body. Therefore, isoflavones may possibly prevent or relieve estrogen-related symptoms, such as breast pain, that are associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Additionally, women who have PMS may also have a decreased ability to convert linoleic acid into GLA. Some evidence shows that symptoms of PMS and menopause may be worsened by deficiencies of EFAs. Therefore, both its isoflavones and its EFAs may give evening primrose oil some ability to relieve symptoms of PMS and menopause."

They offer no precautions to men however and neither does the U of Maryland site:
Evening primrose oil

So just because there are isoflavones in there though, if men don't have receptors for estrogen, would it affect them? Do men in cultures where they eat lots of soy products get breasts more readily? I think our obesity problem in the US gives more men "breasts" (technically they already have breasts, just not big glands or much fatty tissue there...) than anything else...

from the UMM site:
"Eczema symptoms include redness and scaling in addition to itching. There are over 30 positive human studies reporting benefits in eczema and dermatitis when using EPO. A review of including 1,207 patients reported that EPO was beneficial for skin conditions, including itching, crusting, edema (fluid, swelling), and redness. EPO can be used in children and adults for skin conditions."

Precautions offered:
"Precautions EPO is generally safe when used in recommended dosages. Reported side effects are rare and mild, and include nausea, stomach pain, and headache. Stomach pain and loose stools may be indications that the dosage is too high.
Omega-6 supplements, including GLA and EPO, should not be used if you have a seizure disorder because there have been reports of these supplements inducing seizures.
Taking EPO while breastfeeding is considered safe as breast milk actually contains both LA and GLA.
Possible Interactions

Evening primrose oil (EPO) may alter the effects of some prescription and non-prescription medications. If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use EPO without first talking to your health care provider.
Phenothizines -- Individuals taking a class of medications called phenothiazines (such as chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, perphenazine, promazine, and thioridazine) to treat schizophrenia should not take EPO because it may interact with these medications and increase the risk of seizures."
see ya - bd

How long before these tablets start to take affect? Because its being 4 days and i can't notice any differences.

The other guy said he didnt not notice any reduced redness until like 2 weeks of taking it. Im going to start on it. 1000MG 2 times a day for a month. Ill let you guys know how it works out.

I have been on EPO now for around 3 weeks and have seen absolutely no results. I take 2 capsules in the morning before i have something to eat and i am frustrated at not seeing results. Maybe it works for some and not others, i am going to try and see my doctor this week and talk to them about Paxil. Im sick of my face looking like this, why the face?! Whay not the back or somewhere out of sight..

So there is estrogen in Primrose? Yeah not liking the idea of trading my red cheeks for some man boobs...

I can not find a single warning on the internet in reference to enlargement of male breasts caused by EPO.

kebod