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.
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.
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.
Taking fish oil supplements also raised the levels of free testosterone to luteinizing hormone ratio and lowered the levels of other hormones such as FSH and LH. These changes in the levels of the hormones also raised the fertility in the men.
The balance between omega-3s and 6s must first be regulated for hormone balance: an omega 6 to omega 3 ratio of 4:1 - 1:1 is ideal. When the amount omega-6s outweigh the amount of omega-3s too greatly, we run into issues with inflammation, and subsequently wobbly hormones, too.
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.
Menstrual cramping and omega-3s
The natural anti-inflammatory action of omega-3 found in fish oils can relieve menstrual pain. This was confirmed in a study in which a group of women with painful periods (dysmenorrhoea) took 1 capsule of omega-3 fish oil or placebo daily for 3 months.
Fish Oil and Hormones
Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil contain lignans. Lignans are compounds with a weak estrogenic effect and are present in foods like soybeans and flaxseeds.
Firstly, omega-3 fatty acids may improve ovulation. Consumption of DHA has been shown to increase progesterone, a hormone that regulates the condition of the lining of the uterus that is essential for pregnancy.
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.
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.
Side effects of omega-3 supplements are usually mild. They include unpleasant taste, bad breath, bad-smelling sweat, headache, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, and diarrhea. Several large studies have linked higher blood levels of long-chain omega-3s with higher risks of prostate cancer.
Taking high doses of fish oil supplements might increase the risk of bleeding and possibly increase the risk of stroke.
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.
Eating fish or taking fish oil may increase the amount of omega 3 in the breast, which may lower one's risk of breast cancer development.
Other benefits of omega-3 fats for PCOS:
Improves non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Improves egg quality and ovulation. Lowers androgens. Supports a healthy pregnancy.
Omega-3s have been found to aid fertility by reducing inflammation, boosting ovulation and hormone production, and positively affecting the growth of oocytes, or immature eggs, in the ovaries. And once pregnancy is underway, the benefits of taking a fish oil supplement continue.
Most studies in the past ten years have shown the positive relationship between omega-3 fatty acids intake and androgen levels (15, 16). Hyperandrogenism as the first symptom in PCOS is due to irregularity in steroid production (3). This condition can be caused by an increase in estrogen secretion (17).
Omega-3s can help to regulate the menstrual cycle in those with PCOS and irregular periods. In the study just mentioned, the 78 participants all had PCOS and irregular periods. After the trial of either 3 grams of omega-3 per day or a placebo, the study found that the percentage of regular menstruation improved (9).
Other research has shown that clary sage essential oil can improve thyroid hormone levels, and balance estrogen in your body by distributing it evenly.
The best source: omega-3s from fish and fish oil supplements. These EFAs promote blood flow to the uterus and support the opening of the follicle to release the egg. Fish oil can increase blood circulation and boost the natural testosterone in a woman's body.
Fish oil is a powerful supplement that can offer many health benefits to women. From improving skin, hair health, and maintaining blood pressure already within normal range, to managing menstrual pain and promoting healthy fetal development during pregnancy, fish oil is especially beneficial for women.
Omega-3 fatty acids (Ω-3 PUFAs) may help to improve health status in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) by reducing numerous metabolic disorders (insulin sensitivity, hyperinsulinemia, lipid profile, obesity and inflammation).
Flaxseeds (linseeds), which are an excellent source omega-3 fatty acids and are a source of phytoestrogens, have been shown to encourage regularity of the cycle. Phytoestrogens work on beneficial oestrogen receptors in the body and can contribute to hormonal balance.