Omega-3 fatty acids relieve depressive symptoms related to menopause. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition presented the first evidence that EPA supplementation is effective for treating common menopause-related mental health problems and improves depressive symptoms. Middle-aged women were grouped into two and were randomly administered either daily supplements of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA+DHA) or placebo (sunflower oil) for eight weeks. At the beginning of the study, all of the participants were classified as having mild-to-moderate depression and about one-quarter of them had experienced major depressive episode. Omega-3 fatty acids significantly improved the condition of women suffering symptoms of psychological distress and mild depression at the end of the study. The researchers also noted that the difference in the observed results between the two groups was remarkable especially keeping in view that omega-3 fatty acids have very few side effects and are beneficial to heart health.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Improve Hot Flashes
Supplementation with EPA omega-3 fatty acids reduced frequency of hot flashes (HF) and also improved the HF score relative to placebo. At the start of the study, the number of daily hot flashes experienced by the women was 2.8 in a day. There was a significant decrease in the number of daily hot flashes over the 8-week study, with a greater decrease observed among women consuming EPA. The number of hot flashes declined by 1.58/day in the EPA group versus 0.5/day decrease in the control group. The quality-of-life also improved in both groups.59
