Fish Oil in Women

The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil have health benefits for both women and men. Fish may be particularly beneficial to women by lowering the risk of breast cancer and post-menopausal heart disease. The best way to get omega-3s in the diet is to eat fish on a regular basis. Women who do not eat fish may benefit from taking fish oil supplements.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential, polyunsaturated fatty acids found in fish oil and some plant and nut oils. The omega-3s found in fish oil are docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA. The Mayo Clinic says other names for omega-3s and fish oil are cod liver oil, coldwater fish, fish oil fatty acids, fish body oil, fish extract, fish liver oil, halibut oil, long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, mackerel oil, marine oil, menhaden oil, n-3 fatty acids, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega fatty acids, omega-3 oils, salmon oil, shark liver oil and w-3 fatty acids.

General Health Benefits

The Mayo Clinic says multiple studies have supported the use of EPA and DHA from fish oil supplements to lower triglycerides and reduce the risk of death, heart attack, stroke and abnormal heart rhythms in people with pre-existing heart disease. Fish oil has also shown to reduce inflammation, lower the risk of cancer and arthritis, lower blood pressure and slow the progression of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis leads to heart disease and occurs when fat builds up in the arteries and causes them to narrow and harden. According to the UMMC, omega-3s also play a role in cognitive and behavioral function.

Fetuses that do not get enough omega-3s from their mothers during pregnancy are at risk for vision and nerve problems. An omega-3 deficiency can cause fatigue, poor memory, dry skin, heart problems, mood swings, depression and poor circulation.

Breast Cancer

The results of a recent study by researchers at The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center that looked at the relationship between supplements and breast cancer risk were published in July 2010 in "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention." The study was conducted from 2000-2007 and over 35,000 postmenopausal women were involved. Researchers concluded that the use of fish oil supplements appeared to have an inverse relation to breast cancer risk. Researchers caution that this study does not confirm that fish oil supplements reduce the risk of breast cancer, but it is grounds for further research.

Menopause

Menopausal women have a higher risk of heart disease and stroke than pre-menopausal women, according to the American Heart Association, or AHA. The UMMC says omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil can reduce cholesterol, a risk factor for heart disease and encourages menopausal women to talk with their doctor about whether a fish oil supplement is appropriate for them.

Diet and Supplements

The AHA recommends eating fish at least twice a week to benefit from omega-3 fatty acids. The fish with the most omega-3s are fatty, cold-water fish like mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna, salmon and halibut.

Fish oil supplements are sold as capsules and usually contain about 0.18 milligrams of EPA and 0.12 grams of DHA. Women and men should not take more than 3 grams of omega-3s from fish oil per day. High doses of fish oil are associated with an increased risk of bleeding. Fish oil should not be taken by people with bleeding disorders, those who bruise easily and by people on blood-thinning medications. Fish oil can lower blood sugar and should be used with caution by diabetics who take insulin or medications to lower blood sugar. Women who are interested in taking fish oil supplements should consult a doctor due to the risk of side effects.