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Benefits of Omega 3 Fish Oil for Menopause

Menopause is a natural biological process in women, signifying the end of fertility and menstruation. Most women spend about one-third of their lives in or after menopause. The hormonal changes in the body can result in mild to severe physical and emotional changes in the woman, such as hot flashes, mood swings and higher risk of cardiovascular disease. While there is medication for menopause symptoms, natural remedies such as omega-3 fatty acids help as well.

  1. Reduce Hot Flashes

    • Hot flashes and night sweats are regular occurrences in the life of a women going through menopause, due to the fluctuation in hormones and decreasing estrogen. Omega 3 fish oil can help reduce hot flashes that menopausal women experience, which may result from the reactions with neurotransmitters. According to WomentoWomen.com, a team of Italian scientists in 2005 completed testing that showed a "progressive and highly significant reduction" in hot flashes from regular doses of omega-3.

    Reduce Depression Symptoms

    • Depression in menopausal women is also due to fluctuating hormones, as well as a mental stigma that fertility is ceasing. While some women may welcome this change, others find it triggers depression. Having a regular intake of omega-3 fish oil can protect women from depression symptoms by up to 29 percent, according to the Journal of Affective Disorders.

    Prevent Cardiovascular Disease

    • Menopausal women have an increased risk of heart disease and osteoporosis, so it is important to protect the heart and bones. Omega 3 fish oil can lower cholesterol levels, improve blood pressure, improve blood circulation and strengthen the bones and joints in a woman's body, according to the University of Maryland Medical Institute. Fish oil protects the heart and blood vessels as well by reducing triglyceride levels. Women over 40 especially need this added protection. For women on conventional hormone replacement therapy during or after menopause, taking omega-3's is very beneficial since these hormones can raise triglycerides significantly.

    Balance Hormone Levels

    • Mood swings unfortunately go hand-in-hand with menopause because of the hormone variations. Omega-3 fish oil can not only balance out the hormones that cause hot flashes and night sweats, but also the hormones that can cause menopausal weight gain and mood swings. Taking daily supplements of these omega-3 fatty acids help regulate the hormonal balance to create a more balanced mind and body.

    Reduce Inflammation

    • Inflammation is one of the main problems in menopause that can cause dozens of other ailments or uncomfortable side effects. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil help reduce inflammation and dryness, easing many of the problems that menopause causes, such as inflamed gums, swollen feet or hands, vaginal dryness, thinning skin and hair, dry skin, joint pain and dry eyes.

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