Flaxseed and Menopausal Symptoms

A study published in Family Practice News (Feb 1, 2005) examined whether flaxseed could reduce hot flashes and night sweats in menopausal women. The study included 85 women who experienced at least five hot flashes or night sweats per day.

The trial lasted six months. For the first three months, participants were randomly assigned to receive either:

  • 40 g/day of flaxseed, or

  • a placebo

After three months, the groups switched treatments in a crossover design.

Key Findings

  • Flaxseed supplementation led to a 38% reduction in the median number of hot flashes compared with placebo.

  • Blood tests showed increases in lignan metabolites such as enterodiol and enterolactone, indicating active metabolism of flaxseed phytoestrogens.

  • Flaxseed intake also reduced follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and apolipoprotein A1, suggesting effects on estrogen metabolism and lipid-related pathways.

Additional research supports these findings. A study published in Nutrition and Cancer (2001;39(1):58–65) found that ground flaxseed supplementation reduced 17β-estradiol and estrone sulfate levels while increasing prolactin in serum. These hormonal shifts are consistent with the phytoestrogenic effects of lignans.

Together, these studies suggest that dietary flaxseed may help support hormonal balance and reduce vasomotor symptoms in menopausal women.