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

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

Omega-3 and menopause

The decrease in hormone levels that characterizes the transition from the fertile period to the disappearance of the menstrual cycle causes a series of symptoms that can threaten a woman's daily well-being. These symptoms, which may appear before actual menopause and continue into so-called post-menopause, include hot flashes and mood disorders. The latter, ranging from fatigue to sleep problems, can be so severe as to develop into true forms of depression. The percentage of women experiencing symptoms of this illness is estimated to be between 10 and 40%. Omega-3 fatty acids have proven to be valuable allies for women's well-being during this delicate transition phase. The Harvard researchers aimed to deepen the efficacy of these nutrients in controlling depression associated with the transition to post-menopause, while confirming their action against hot flashes.

The study

The scientists administered Omega-3 capsules to the 20 women who participated in the study, for a total of 2 grams of EPA and DHA per day. The intake continued for 8 weeks, during which the occurrence of hot flashes was monitored through daily diaries filled out by the participants and via a specific symptom rating scale. Another specific rating scale was used to assess depression levels. The researchers also collected plasma samples before and after treatment to evaluate changes in Omega-3 concentrations in each participant.

Confirmation of effectiveness

The collected data showed that while before treatment the average score on the depression rating scale was 24.2, after Omega-3 intake this value dropped to 10.7. The treatment was effective in 70% of patients and in 45% of cases the symptoms of depression disappeared. The measurement of plasma Omega-3 levels revealed that in women who responded positively to supplementation, DHA levels before starting intake were lower than those in participants who did not respond to treatment. Additionally, among women suffering from hot flashes, a significant reduction in the number of daily hot flashes and in the score on the specific rating scale for this symptom was recorded.

Help without side effects

The results obtained from this research support the efficacy of Omega-3 in controlling depression and hot flashes associated with menopause. All this, the researchers emphasize, without significant side effects caused by 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