Omega-3 can be used to treat symptoms in menopausal woman, according to MayoClinic.com. These omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that your body needs in order to perform a variety of physiologic activities. Your body needs omega-3 fatty acids to function, but is unable to synthesize them, according to the American Cancer Society. Therefore, your body must obtain them from your diet or from supplements.
Depression
Depression and psychological distress are among the symptoms experienced by menopausal women. Omega-3 fatty acids can help alleviate these symptoms, EurekaAlert reports. If you are suffering from mild depression, increasing your intake may help improve your overall mood. However, omega-3 fatty acids have not proven effective in treating severe depression.
Hot Flashes
Among the common complaints of menopause are frequent hot flashes. Hot flashes can occur can occur at anytime of the day and may be accompanied by palpitations, headaches or dizziness, the University of Maryland Medical Center explains. Your doctor may recommend a variety of treatments including an increase in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids can help boost hormone production. As you go through menopause, your hormone levels begin to fall and this causes many of the symptoms associated with menopause. Omega-3 fatty acids increase hormone levels and can help relieve your hot flashes, notes HelpGuide.org.
Reduce Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol levels tend to rise during menopause. One of the chief effects of omega-3 fatty acids is a significant decrease in cholesterol levels, MayoClinic.com reports. However, you should consult your physician before taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements.
Increased Risk of Heart Disease
Menopause can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Estrogen, a hormone that decreases during menopause, provides a protective effect to your heart. As these levels fall, you slowly become more susceptible to heart disease. Unfortunately, taken estrogen hormones to counteract this effect can lead to unintended side effects. Therefore, your doctor may recommend increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, which are able to decrease your risk of heart disease.
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