Flaxseed contains phytoestrogens which could potentially affect the symptoms of menopause, because they can bind to estrogen receptors and have a similar, although less potent, effect to estrogen. However, the research is not conclusive on this yet. Although none of the studies reported adverse effects as a result of flaxseed, the effectiveness of the supplement remains unclear. Some studies have found that flaxseed supplementation could decrease vasomotor symptoms of menopause (e.g., hot flashes, night sweats),[1][2][3] but others have concluded that it had no effect or an effect too small to be of clinical significance.[4][5]
References
- ^Dizaye, K et alEffects of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) on climacteric symptoms and clinical parameters in post-menopausal womenIraqi J Pharm Sci.(2023-06-27)
- ^Cetisli NE, Saruhan A, Kivcak BThe effects of flaxseed on menopausal symptoms and quality of life.Holist Nurs Pract.(2015 May-Jun)
- ^Nowak W, Jeziorek MThe Role of Flaxseed in Improving Human Health.Healthcare (Basel).(2023 Jan 30)
- ^Simbalista RL, Sauerbronn AV, Aldrighi JM, Arêas JAConsumption of a flaxseed-rich food is not more effective than a placebo in alleviating the climacteric symptoms of postmenopausal women.J Nutr.(2010 Feb)
- ^Colli MC, Bracht A, Soares AA, de Oliveira AL, Bôer CG, de Souza CG, Peralta RMEvaluation of the efficacy of flaxseed meal and flaxseed extract in reducing menopausal symptoms.J Med Food.(2012 Sep)