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Flaxseed dietary supplement may reduce hot rashes

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, believe that dietary therapy using flaxseed may decrease the incidence and severity of hot flashes in postmenopausal women who do not take estrogen, according to an August 29, 2007, news release from the Mayo Clinic. Researchers chose to investigate flaxseed because it is a source of phytoestrogen, a plant-based estrogen, and also contains lignans (ie, antioxidants with weak estrogen-emulating characteristics) and omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, flaxseed apparently has anti-estrogenic properties and has been shown in some research trials to decrease breast cancer risk.

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The researchers conducted a pilot study with women who were troubled by hot flashes, which are flushes of intense warmth across much of the body that can be accompanied by sweating, reddening of the skin, cold shivers, sleep deprivation, anxiety, and irritability. Of the 29 women who were enrolled in the study, 21 completed the six-week trial, ingesting 40 g of crushed flaxseed daily. The women were interviewed about the frequency and severity of their hot flashes, and their responses were translated into hot flash scores.

In the women who completed the trial, the frequency of hot flashes decreased 50% during the six weeks, and their overall hot flash scores decreased an average of 57%. Additionally, participants reported improvements in mood, joint or muscle pain, chills, and sweating, translating to a significant improvement in their health-related quality of life.

Flaxseed shows potential to reduce hot flashes [news release]. Rochester, MN: Mayo Clinic; August 29, 2007. http://www.mayoclinic.org/news2007-rst/420&htmL Accessed August 31, 2007.

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Flaxseed dietary supplement may reduce hot rashes

AORN Journal, Jan, 2008

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