Hot flashes are the most common symptom reported by menopausal women. Hot flashes affect between 4 and 46% of women during early menopause, between 33 and 65% in the later stages, and 79% of post-menopausal women. New findings suggest that the omega-3 fatty acid EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) can help reduce the frequency of hot flashes.
The study included 120 women between the ages of 40 and 55 years. The women were divided into two groups, with one group receiving 500mg of omega-3 fatty acids (containing 350mg EPA and 50mg DHA) for 8 weeks, while the other group received a placebo.
At the beginning of the study the women reported an average of 2.8 hot flashes per day. Following 8 weeks of supplementation with EPA this was reduced to 1.22 per day; a reduction of 56%. Hot flashes in the placebo group were reduced by an average of 17%, indicating a significant difference between the EPA and the placebo group.
The results of this study are significant, and indicate that there is good potential for EPA as an alternative treatment of menopausal symptoms like hot flashes. Currently, the most common treatment for hot flashes is hormone replacement therapy, however, many women have discontinued hormone therapy due to health concerns, and interest in alternative options has increased. EPA could be an effective option for women seeking such an alternative.
Lucas M, Asselin G, Mérette C, Poulin MJ, Dodin S. Effects of ethyl-eicosapentaenoic acid omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on hot flashes and quality of life among middle-aged women: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. Menopause. 2009; 16(2).
For more information see Omega EPA
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