When a woman approaches menopause, her hormonal levels fluctuate in preparation for the end of her childbearing years. During this time, many women experience hot flashes, night sweats, moodiness or other symptoms associated with menopause. Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, is the conventional method for replacing depleted estrogen and progesterone levels, but it is not without risk. Some women turn to natural plant forms of estrogen, such as those found in flaxseed, to reduce the unwanted symptoms of menopause. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms, and ask your doctor if flaxseed is right for you.
Flaxseed
Linum usitatissimum is the botanical name for the plant that produces flaxseeds. The shiny hard seeds contain mucilages, glycosides, protein and fatty oils, according to the “PDR for Herbal Medicines.” Flaxseeds also contain lignans, which are mild plant forms of estrogen known as phytoestrogens.
Effect on Estrogen
NYU Langone University explains that the phytoestrogens in flaxseed mimic the actions of natural estrogen produced in the body. If a woman’s estrogen levels are low, phytoestrogens may elevate them slightly, but the effect is generally minimal. On the other hand, if a woman’s estrogen level surges prior to menopause, phytoestrogens may reduce and regulate the hormone. Flaxseed and soy may have a similar effect on a woman’s estrogen levels.
Administration
Flaxseed is available as a food source in breakfast cereal, baking mix and as bulk seeds that you may grind, sprinkle on yogurt or hot cereals, add to smoothies, toast or eat whole. NYU Langone University suggests a therapeutic dose of 5 g of seeds taken with a glass of water, three times daily, to relieve constipation, but there is no suggested therapeutic dose for regulating estrogen levels.
Dangers to Estrogen-sensitive Conditions
Since the exact effects of flaxseed on estrogen are still unknown, do not take the seeds therapeutically if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or if you have a history of estrogen-sensitive tumors or cancer. There is a chance that flax may stimulate some types of cancer cells.
Additional Considerations
While NYU reports that flaxseed is “generally believed to be safe,” some people may suffer a severe reaction if they are allergic to the seeds. People with diabetes and other blood sugar disorders, should only take flaxseed under doctor’s supervision. The FDA does not oversee the production of herbal supplements, so you have no guarantee that the flaxseed you purchase in supplement form is fresh and pure.
References
- “PDR for Herbal Medicines, Second Edition”; Joerg Gruenwald, Ph.D.; 2000
- NYU Langone Medical Center; Flaxseed; 2011
