Menopause is a natural, biological event that happens in a woman's life, an event that can cause physical and emotional changes that affect health. Fish oil may benefit women by preventing chronic diseases that are associated with menopause. Women should consult a physician prior to taking fish oil supplements due to the risk of side effects and potential medication interactions.
Menopause
Menopause involves hormonal changes and marks the end of fertility for women. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, menopause can cause hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings and is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, macular degeneration, glaucoma and colon cancer. The American Cancer Society says women who use hormone replacement therapy to reduce menopause symptoms are also at a greater risk of breast cancer.
Fish Oil
The compounds in fish oil with health benefits are omega-3 fatty acids, specifically docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA. Omega-3s help prevent heart disease and are purported to benefit a wide variety of psychological and physical conditions. Eating fatty fish like salmon, halibut, lake trout, snapper, mackerel and sardines is one way to benefit from omega-3s. Omega-3s are also sold as dietary supplements in the form of fish oil capsules.
Heart Disease
The UMMC says omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil can help reduce LDL cholesterol and the risk of heart disease during menopause. LDL cholesterol refers to low-density lipoproteins and is referred to as "bad" cholesterol because it contributes to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis leads to heart disease and is characterized by the narrowing and hardening of arteries due to a buildup of cholesterol or fat.
According to Dr. Vincent Morelli, a researcher from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, fish oil has a role in secondary prevention of heart disease. Secondary prevention refers to the prevention of heart attack, stroke and death in people with a history of heart attack and/or heart disease. Morelli published his findings in July 2002 in "American Family Physician" and says while post-menopausal women with pre-existing heart disease can benefit from omega-3s, more evidence is needed to support the benefits of omega-3s in post-menopausal women who do not have heart disease.
Breast Cancer
Researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center conducted an observational study on the effect of supplements on breast cancer using 35,000 post-menopausal women. The study was published in July 2010 in "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention" and found that fish oil was linked to a lower risk of breast cancer in post-menopausal women. Researchers point out that this study did not confirm the ability of fish oil to prevent breast cancer, but gave cause for future research on the matter.
Diet and Supplements
The American Heart Association recommends that adults without a history of heart disease consume fish at least twice a week to benefit from omega-3s. Adults with heart disease are recommended to take 1-2 g of EPA and DPA a day. The Food and Drug Administration does not recommend taking more than 3 grams of omega-3s from fish oil per day.
Common side effects of fish oil supplements include fishy aftertaste, bloating, gas and abdominal pain. Menopausal women who have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners like Coumadin or aspirin should avoid fish oil supplements because they can increase the risk of bleeding. Diabetics should be cautious because fish oil supplements can lower blood sugar and increase the effects of medications that lower blood sugar like insulin. Medline Plus warns that fish oil supplements should not be taken by people with an allergy to fish or seafood.
References
- "American Family Physician"; Alternative Therapies for Traditional Disease States: Menopause; V. Morelli; July 2002.
- "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention"; Specialty supplements and breast cancer risk in the Vitamins And Lifestyle (VITAL) cohort; T. Braskey, et al.; July 2010.
- Mayo Clinic: Omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil, alpha-linolenic acid
- Medline Plus: Menopause
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Menopause
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