Flaxseed for Menopause

Hot flashes are an uncomfortable symptom for many women going through menopause. Regular use of flaxseed may provide relief from these episodes, although it may not have much effect on other symptoms of menopause.

Significance

Flaxseed, as the name implies, is the seed of the flax plant. It contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and lignans, which are fibrous phytoestrogens. In the digestive tract, bacteria change lignans into hormone-like compounds that mimic estrogen in the body. During menopause, when estrogen levels are declining, replacing or augmenting estrogen with phytoestrogens can lessen symptoms such as hot flashes.

Treatment

Traditionally, hormone replacement therapy has been an oft-prescribed treatment for menopause symptoms, and in particular hot flashes. But with unwanted side effects such as increased risk of heart disease and breast cancer, many women want an alternative solution. Nonhormonal solutions such as chasteberry and wild yam, or black cohosh and soy are available but are not always effective.

Research

The Mayo Clinic conducted a study of 29 women who were having hot flashes at a rate of 14 per week but were not taking estrogen replacements. The women took 40 grams of ground flaxseed every day for six weeks. At the end of the study, they reported a 50 percent reduction in hot flashes. Dr. Sandhya Pruthi, who conducted the study, concluded that flaxseed looked promising as a treatment for this symptom.

Diet

To incorporate ground flaxseed into your diet, aim for the equivalent of 30 grams a day. Start by taking just 2 tablespoons per day, added to baked goods, yogurts, cereal and smoothies. After three weeks, increase the dosage to 2 tablespoons twice a day. For supplementation using the flaxseed capsules, take capsules to equal 1,300 milligrams per day.

Considerations

Side effects from flaxseed can include bloating and gas. Make sure to drink plenty of liquids with ground flaxseed supplementation as it can swell and possibly block the esophagus. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about adding flaxseed to your diet.