Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the transition between the premenopausal phase and menopause and is characterized by changes in estrogen levels, irregular menstrual cycles and increased menopausal symptoms.  Premenopause is marked by hormonal fluctuations associated with early menopause-related changes in which women usually maintain regular menstrual cycles.   

How Does Flax Help Women With Perimenopause?

Many women experiencing early signs of menopause or who have premenstrual syndrome symptoms will benefit tremendously from flax seed oil therapy.  This is because flax seed oil provides women in their twenties, thirties and forties with primary nutrients that are often deficient in today’s diets such as essential fatty acids and natural phytohormones.  Essential fatty acids are required for production of hormones and the absorption of calcium.  They also assist in absorption of fat-soluble vitamins that nourish our skin, nerves and mucous membranes.  These same fats further benefit women’s immune, cardiovascular, reproductive and central nervous system health.  They are both transformational and beautifying for women’s skin, hair and nails.  Volumes of scientific studies on the omega 3 fatty acids in flax seed oil have shown how important these are for women’s overall health.  Not only has flax seed oil been shown to relieve depression, fatigue and allergies, it is a specific healing agent for skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, acne and dry skin.   

There is also emerging research that suggests highest lignan content flax seed oil is vital for the prevention of breast cancer, a disease that currently strikes one in eight women.  The lignans found in flax seed particulate matter have the ability to normalize estrogen metabolism and facilitate removal of excess toxic estrogens thought to fuel breast cancer.  These special lignan compounds have many other benefits including ameliorating perimenopausal hot flashes and possessing antioxidant activity. 

Beware, not all flax oils are good sources of lignans due to filtration of extracted oil.  Be sure your flax seed oil is non-filtered and unrefined.  Unrefined flax seed oil results in an extremely rich source of flax particulates high in lignan precursors which are retained in the oil.  “Healing Power of Flax”  by Dr. Herb Joiner-Bey, N.D.