Menopause is an unavoidable change all women experience as they age. The root cause of menopause is the lack of estrogen and progesterone being produced in the ovaries as a woman ages. A woman who has reached menopause is no longer able to get pregnant, as the ovaries no longer function. Common symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, trouble sleeping, breast tenderness, mood swings, and hair loss. While every woman’s experience with menopause is different, some may deal with more extreme symptoms that require treatment.
Because imbalanced hormones cause menopause, many healthcare professionals recommend drugs or hormone replacement therapy to combat the symptoms of menopause. A natural alternative to traditional hormone replacement therapies is to add flax to the diet. The lignans found in flaxseed are phytoestrogens, which is a naturally occurring plant compound that mimics naturally occurring estrogen. When ingested, phytoestrogens can be used to increase estrogen levels and create hormonal balance naturally.
Studies show that lignans can help both premenopausal and menopausal women live healthier, more comfortable lives.A clinical trial found that Lignans are especially helpful in relieving hot flashes, as they reduce both the frequency and intensity by as much as half. According to the Mayo Clinic, women experiencing the onset of menopause, known as perimenopause, can also benefit from regularly ingesting flax lignans. The phytoestrogen found in lignans helps to restore hormone balance as the body begins to produce less estrogen naturally.
Flax hull lignans can also ease the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, which includes both mental and physical symptoms. Common symptoms related to PMS include irritability, lethargy, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, nausea, mood swings, and pain in the head, neck, back, and breasts. These PMS symptoms often begin after a women’s ovulation cycle and can last anywhere from four days up to two weeks, typically ending with menstruation. While approximately 80% of women experience PMS, the severity of its symptoms can vary.
Research suggests that PMS symptoms can be alleviated with high doses of amino acids and essential fatty acids. Flax hull lignans are high in both and can significantly improve the severity of PMS symptoms. Lignans are a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is known to help with breast tenderness, improve emotional stability, and reduce the psychological symptoms of PMS.
In addition to easing PMS, perimenopause, and menopause symptoms, lignans improve uterine, ovarian, and breast health, as well as aid in the prevention and treatment of certain cancers. Much research has been done on the effects of flax lignans, and there is overwhelming support that lignans are beneficial to women’s health.
Important Note: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. It is up to the individual reading this to seek expert medical advice and not rely on this information to diagnose, treat, prevent, or attempt to cure any disease.