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.
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.
Fish Oil for Optimal Hormone Balance
Because your body needs these important building blocks to prevent hormone conditions, research is finding that supplementation with omega-3 is effective in the prevention and treatment of hormone-related diseases, especially in women.
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.
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.
So, people using blood thinners, such as warfarin, should not take fish oil or other omega-3 fatty acid supplements because of the increased risk of dangerous bleeding.
Bipolar disorder: Taking fish oil might increase some of the symptoms of this condition. Liver disease: Fish oil might increase the risk of bleeding in people with liver scarring due to liver disease. Diabetes: Taking high doses of fish oil might make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels.
Genes associated with follicle growth were not significantly altered by vitamin D3. However, it increases expression of genes involved in the estrogen-biosynthesis. Further, estrogen concentrations in porcine granulosa cell-cultured media increased in response to vitamin D3.
More than ever, it's important to take inventory of what you're putting in your body. Conventional animal products (particularly, dairy, chicken, and fish) contain high amounts of estrogen.
Vitamins and minerals that play a role in hormonal balance and managing estrogen deficiency symptoms include B complex, vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, and boron. Herbs and dietary supplements, including dong quai, black cohosh, astragalus, and DHEA, may have a more direct effect on low estrogen levels.
Other research has shown that clary sage essential oil can improve thyroid hormone levels, and balance estrogen in your body by distributing it evenly.
Higher-dose prescription fish oil comes with additional risks: Atrial fibrillation: Prescription fish oil comes with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm that can lead to a stroke. Bleeding: Fish oil can also increase your risk of bleeding.
Fish oil supplements may interact with certain medications or supplements. Do not take them without your doctor's approval if you are on any medications (especially blood thinning drugs) or have chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, or any disorder of the pancreas.
There are very few risks associated with omega-3 supplements. They can cause gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea or indigestion in some people, and they may be unsafe for people with seafood allergies.
“Drinking caffeine can increase estrogen levels in women, sometimes leading to an estrogen dominant state,” says Odelia Lewis, MD, a medical contributor to ABC News Medical Unit. “Estrogen dominance is associated with premenstrual syndrome, heavy periods, fibrocystic breasts, and even certain breast cancers.
There is evidence to suggest that certain supplements can help to correct hormone imbalance and reduce high estrogen counts. These include iodine, magnesium, and vitamin D. It may also help to take broccoli extract, or diindolylmethane (DIM).
Although fish oil supplements don't lower the rate of heart attack or stroke, they may be recommended in some situations. Specifically, EPA and DHA can be used to help lower triglycerides in people with very high triglycerides (over 500 mg/dL), who are at risk for complications such as pancreatitis.
The AHA says taking up to 3 grams of fish oil daily in supplement form is considered safe. Don't take more than that unless you discuss it with your doctor first.