The role of omega-3s in menopause
The effect exerted by Omega-3s on hormonal balance is also reflected on menopausal symptoms.
This period of life corresponds to the decrease in the production of the woman's reproductive hormones: estrogen and progesterone.
Such changes are associated with a number of symptoms that can disrupt daily life even before the final disappearance of the menstrual cycle. The best known and most frequent are irregularities of the cycle itself and so-called hot flashes.
Alongside these phenomena, hormonal imbalance can also cause medical issues of greater severity:
- increased cardiovascular risk
- osteoporosis
Finally, menopause can be associated with mood disorders that can result in depression, sleep problems, and fatigue.
Several studies have shown the effectiveness of Omega-3s in counteracting some of the ailments that accompany the transition to this new phase of female life.
Hot flashes: the action of omega-3s
The experience of hot flashes can be very different from woman to woman. Some do not suffer much from this issue, others may experience up to 20 times a day this sudden sensation of heat that can pervade the entire body.
What are the causes of hot flashes? It is quickly said: their manifestation is generated by the absence of estrogen produced by the ovaries the body's thermoregulation system no longer functions properly.
One solution to this problem is provided by Omega-3s themselves.
In fact, a study conducted at the Sant'Anna Gynecological Hospital in Turin has shown that these molecules are effective in controlling this disorder.
During the 24-week administration of capsules containing Omega-3, the women involved in this research experienced a progressive and highly significant reduction in the number of hot flashes.
According to the study authors, the effectiveness of fatty acids could be due to their action at the level of neuron membranes.
Alternatively, the researchers explain, these nutrients could reduce hot flashes by modulating the activity of certain neurotransmitters, molecules responsible for the transmission of nerve impulses.
A second research, conducted at the Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec (Ville de Québec, Canada), confirmed these findings.
The authors found that, in just 8 weeks, supplements enriched in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a food-derived Omega-3, reduced the frequency of the disorder by about 55 percent.
Symptoms of depression and mood disorders alleviated with Omega-3s
Other symptoms associated with menopause affect the emotional sphere. In fact, between 10 and 40 percent of women experience symptoms of depression during this period.
These ailments can be countered by taking Omega-3, the effectiveness of which has been demonstrated in a study by Université Laval (Québec, Canada).
The research involved both women with moderate psychological disorders and patients who had already experienced symptoms of severe depression.
To test the action taken by the fatty acids, the participants took an EPA and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid, another food-derived Omega-3) supplement or a placebo for 8 weeks.
Analysis of the data collected at the end of the 8-week intake showed that in women who had not yet experienced major depressive episodes at the beginning of the experiment, that is, lasting at least 2 weeks impairing social and work relationships, mood disturbances were significantly reduced.
Direct action on hormones?
Currently, the scientific literature does not include studies that explain in detail the mechanisms by which Omega-3s are able to exert their positive effects on menopausal symptoms.
Only research from Aarhus University Hospital in Aalborg, Denmark, has been able to show that during premenopause, the period before the final disappearance of the menstrual cycle, intake of these fatty acids in the form of fish oil increases estrogen levels.
Further studies will provide a deeper understanding of the mechanism by which these nutrients function.