Although menopause is a natural event, many women experience difficulty dealing with the various emotional and physical changes. Most women do not require treatment for menopausal discomforts, but some take hormone replacement medications, while others choose alternative therapies. Flaxseed oil is one alternative treatment that may help with hormonal changes, although more medical research is necessary to verify any potential benefits.
Hormonal Changes
The ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone during your reproductive years. Menopause, or the cessation of menstruation, is a gradual process that may last several years and can vary from person to person, often occurring around the age of 51. Perimenopause, the stage before menopause, occurs when changing hormonal levels begin to cause symptoms, although you may continue to have menstrual periods for four to five years. As your ovaries slowly stop producing estrogen and progesterone, you may experience a range of symptoms.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause include mood changes such as depression, tension and irritability. You also might experience hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and headaches. Some women notice an increase in abdominal fat that occurs in response to a decline in estrogen and progesterone levels. The intensity of these symptoms is a major factor in determining whether hormone replacement therapy is necessary.
Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil, also known as linseed oil, comes from the seeds of the Linum usitatissiumum plant. The seed and the oil contain phytoestrogens, a type of plant estrogen known as lignans. According to MayoClinic.com, the results of some controlled trials indicate that flaxseed oil may cause a decrease in mild menopausal symptoms, although this treatment is controversial and additional research is necessary.
Precautions
Women who take prescription estrogen may experience a greater risk of developing breast cancer. Without progesterone to protect the uterus, taking prescription estrogen alone may increase your risk of uterine cancer. Researchers are unsure whether consuming plant estrogens might cause a similar increased cancer risk. Seek your doctor's advice before using alternative therapies to treat medical conditions, including the symptoms that often accompany perimenopause and menopause. Flaxseed oil is not a standard or proven remedy for reducing the discomfort of menopause.
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