Study: Flaxseed Holds Potential for Decreasing Hot Flashes

The Mayo Clinic recently completed a small pilot study of flaxseed as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy for women experiencing menopause-related hot flashes. The study found that 40 grams of flaxseed a day can decrease hot flashes in post-menopausal women not taking estrogen. Mayo announced its findings in an Aug. 27 press release.

Dr. Sandhya Pruthi is a Mayo Clinic breast health specialist and the study's primary investigator. Dr. Pruthi's team of researchers chose to do a study of flaxseed because it's a plant-based estrogen source, containing lignans and omega-3 fatty acids.

Spectrum, one of the nation's leading natural and organic food products companies and a maker of flaxseed oil, also emphasizes the importance of omega-3 fatty acids and lignans to human health. The company asserts that flaxseeds are the richest source of plant lignans, which are phytoestrogens able to regulate hormone balance. Similar to soy, lignans are known to have both estrogen and anti-estrogen-like effects. They have also been shown to be antioxidants.

Regarding Omega-3 essential fatty acids, flaxseed oil is an excellent source. It contains concentrated amounts of Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA), important because the human body doesn't produce it on its own.

The six-week pilot study was set up to determine the effectiveness of flaxseed in reducing or eliminating hot flashes and to note any possible side effects. There were 29 women with bothersome hot flashes who initially participated in the study; seven women did not complete the study. Of the women in the study had rejected the idea of hormone replacement therapy because of their fear that taking estrogen would increase their risk of breast cancer. In the four weeks preceding the study, none of the women took any hormonal agents, soy products or other herbal supplements.

The researchers developed what they called a "hot flash score," which included a combined measure of frequency and severity of hot flashes.

The good news: The women's frequency of hot flashes decreased 50 percent, and their overall hot flash score decreased an average 57 percent. The women all also reported better moods, improvements in joint or muscle pain, fewer chills and less sweating. When all was said and done, the women agreed that the flaxseed supplement improved their quality of life during that six-week period.

A publication of the findings from the study can be found in the summer 2007 issue of the "Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology." Dr. Pruthi cautions that the results are preliminary, and every woman suffering from menopause-related hot flashes may not get the same degree of relief from taking flaxseed.

Source:

Press release, Flaxseed Shows Potential to Reduce Hot Flashes; http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/532814/

Spectrum; http://www.spectrumorganics.com/?id=49