Flaxseed: Can it relieve hot flashes?

Q: I received an e-mail stating that a pilot study has found that flaxseed reduces hot flashes in menopausal women. Can you tell me if this legitimate?

Uta / New Jersey

Yes, it is. Some preliminary research suggests that flaxseed may reduce hot flashes in menopausal women. However, a larger study is needed to confirm these findings.

Mayo Clinic researchers studied 29 women who had at least 14 hot flashes a week for at least one month. In this preliminary study, researchers excluded participants with a history of diabetes or bowel or bleeding disorders. Study participants consumed 40 grams (about 4 tablespoons) of ground or crushed flaxseed a day for six weeks. At the end of six weeks, participants reported a 50 percent reduction in hot flashes. Although these results are promising, it should be noted that participants reported troublesome side effects — including bloating, diarrhea and gas — due to the high-fiber content of flaxseed.

If you have bothersome hot flashes and you want to try flaxseed, talk to your doctor first. Consider taking flaxseed for a trial period to see what, if any, effects it has on your menopausal symptoms and note any side effects. To minimize gastrointestinal side effects, start with 2 tablespoons of flaxseed sprinkled on cereal, yogurt or fruit once a day for about three weeks. Then, increase to 2 tablespoons twice a day. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water or other fluids every day.