Omega-3 fatty acids are a good source of lignans — compounds that may have a weak estrogen effect. When a weak estrogen-like substance takes the place of your body's natural strong estrogen in a breast cell's estrogen receptor, then the weak substance can act as a relative anti-estrogen.
Omega-3 can play a big part in creating hormone balance, primarily because of its anti-inflammatory properties. While healthy fat intake is essential for hormone health, focusing on optimizing your balance of the Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio is crucial.
A randomized clinical trial on healthy postmenopausal females showed that supplementation of Omega-3FA plus moderate exercise resulted in a positive effect on the level of estrogen.
Omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3 FA) are constituents of the membranes of all cells in the body and are precursors of locally produced hormones, eicosanoids, which are important in the prevention and treatment of various diseases, especially in women.
In general, omega-3 helps to reduce risks of heart diseases and cancer. However, women benefit more as omega-3 protects against certain conditions that affect only women such as menstrual pain, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid that plays a major role in improving your menopausal transition and also your general health. (Essential means you must consume this ingredient in your diet, as your body can not manufacture it.)
Irritability and sadness are common emotional symptoms of menopause, but omega-3 may effectively alleviate these symptoms. Omega-3s work to improve mood and restore structural integrity to brain cells that are critical in performing cognitive functions.
Menstrual cramping and omega-3s
The natural anti-inflammatory action of omega-3 found in fish oils can relieve menstrual pain. This was confirmed in a study in which a group of women with painful periods (dysmenorrhoea) took 1 capsule of omega-3 fish oil or placebo daily for 3 months.
Other benefits of omega-3 fats for PCOS:
Improves non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Improves egg quality and ovulation. Lowers androgens. Supports a healthy pregnancy.
For that reason, high FSH levels are usually seen as a sign of ovarian aging. In a 2016 study, researchers found that taking 4000 mg of EPA/DHA omega-3s decreased FSH levels in normal weight women [5]. In 2019, the researchers replicated their findings with a new group of women and the same omega-3 dosage.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D controls the production and activity of estrogen and progesterone to keep these hormones balanced . This vitamin also helps in regulating insulin and blood sugar level .
Omega-3 is very beneficial to your body, particularly your heart, eyes, and brain. It also decreases inflammation. Older adults who take fish oil may find even greater benefits from the supplement.
B vitamins are essential for energy and mood—“two things a lot of menopausal women struggle with,” says Dr. Petrucci. She suggests a B complex supplement, which often includes vitamin B12, methylcobalamin, folic acid and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate.
We have previously demonstrated, based on a single day assessment in the follicular phase, that treatment with omega-3 PUFA reduced serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in normal weight (NW), but not obese women.
Taking more than 3 grams daily might increase the chance of bleeding. Fish oil side effects include heartburn, loose stools, and nosebleeds. Taking fish oil supplements with meals or freezing them can reduce these issues. Consuming high amounts of fish oil from DIETARY sources is possibly unsafe.
Consuming 1 to grams of omega-3s per day can: Lower triglyceride levels. Lower blood pressure. Reduce your risk of blood clots.
Fish oils containing omega-3 fatty acids are one of the most popular and widely available health supplements. Omega-3 fish oils help with weight loss and reduce belly fat because they have beneficial effects on appetite and metabolism.