Menopause: 2 grams per day of Omega 3 reduce depression and hot flashes

The benefits of Omega 3s for menopausal women confirmed: according to research from Harvard Medical School in Boston (United States), just taking 2 grams a day of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for 8 weeks is enough to reduce both depression and hot flashes. The finding, published in the journal Menopause, adds to evidence of the effectiveness of these nutrients in controlling symptoms associated with the transition to this stage of a woman's life obtained in previous studies.

Omega-3s and the menopause

The decrease in hormone levels that characterizes the transition from the period of fertile life to the disappearance of the menstrual cycle causes a number of complaints that can threaten a woman's daily well-being. These symptoms, which can appear before the actual menopause and continue into the so-called postmenopause, include hot flashes and mood disorders. The latter, varying from fatigue to sleep problems, can be so severe as to result in true forms of depression. In fact, the percentage of women who experience symptoms of this disease is between 10 and 40 percent. Omega-3 fatty acids have proven to be valuable allies in women's well-being during this delicate transition phase. The study by Harvard researchers sought to further investigate the effectiveness of these nutrients in controlling depression associated with the transition to postmenopause, while confirming, at the same time, their action against hot flashes.

The study

The scientists administered Omega-3 capsules, totaling 2 grams of EPA and DHA per day, to the 20 women who participated in the study. Theintake continued for 8 weeks, during which the occurrence of hot flashes was monitored by having the participants fill out a daily diary and through a specific symptom rating scale. Another specific rating scale, on the other hand, was used to assess levels of depression. The researchers also collected plasma samples before and after treatment so they could assess changes in Omega-3 concentrations in each participant.

Confirmation of effectiveness

The data collected showed that while before treatment the mean score on the depression rating scale was 24.2, after taking Omega-3 this value dropped to 10.7. The treatment was effective in 70 percent of the patients, and in 45 percent of the cases the symptoms of depression disappeared. Measurement of plasma levels of Omega-3 revealed that in women who responded positively to administration, DHA levels before the start of intake were lower than those found in participants who did not respond to treatment. In addition, among women who suffered from hot flashes, there was a significant reduction in the number of daily hot flashes and in the score reported on the specific scale for assessing the disorder.

Help without side effects

The results obtained in the course of this research stand to support the effectiveness of omega-3s in controlling depression and hot flashes associated with menopause. All, the researchers point out, without significant side effects from taking these nutrients.  

Source:

1. Freeman MP, Hibbeln JR, Silver M, Hirschberg AM, Wang B, Yule AM, Petrillo LF, Pascuillo E, Economou NI, Joffe H, Cohen LS, "Omega-3 fatty acids for major depressive disorder associated with the menopausal transition: a preliminary open trial," Menopause. 2011 Mar;18(3):279-84