other · for hot flashes
Flaxseed
Gut bacteria turn its lignans into weak oestrogen-like compounds.
Say that in clinical terms
Flaxseed lignans are converted by gut bacteria into weak phytoestrogen-like compounds (enterolactone and enterodiol) with mild estrogen-receptor activity.
How strong is the research?
No Benefit evidence
The Menopause Society does not recommend dietary supplements for hot flushes.
Clinical guideline
2 papers read, 2 against.
Tested as: flaxseed-derived lignans, 410 mg/day (from a flaxseed bar) in the largest phase III trial; a separate dietary trial used 25 g whole ground flaxseed/day (about 50 mg lignans).
Who was studied: Postmenopausal women with troublesome hot flushes; the main trial had 188.
How much to take
50–410 mg