Linseed lignans are plant hormones that should be appreciated by menopausal women. Linseed lignans are an alternative to hormone replacement therapy because, like synthetic hormones, they alleviate the symptoms of menopause. What other properties do flax lignans have? These and other questions are answered by a gynecologist, Maksymilian Kurkowski.

Linseed lignansbelong to the group of phytoestrogens, i.e. non-steroidal plant compounds whose chemical structure andactionresemble human estrogens. Thanks to this, they can be an alternative to the hormone replacement therapy (HRT) used during menopause, which consists in the administration of human steroid hormones. HRT is not a treatment suitable for every woman. For this reason, alternatives to HRT have been searched for. The interest of scientists was aroused by the fact that Japanese women go through the menopause much more smoothly than European women. The reasons for this discrepancy were found in … diet. Well, the soy-rich menu of Japanese women provides them with isoflavones - compounds that imitate the effects of human estrogens. Further research resulted in the discovery of a plant native to European women, equally rich in phytohormones. We are talking about flax and lignans contained in the structure of its grains.

Linen lignans and the menopause

- Phytoestrogens are particularly beneficial for the he alth of menopausal women due to their unique affinity with estrogen receptors. They have a soothing effect on the symptoms of the menopause, inhibit the development of osteoporosis, lower cholesterol levels and have anti-carcinogenic properties (lower the risk of cancer). Therefore, they are a good choice for women with contraindications to hormone replacement therapy or those women who do not want to use steroids - explains Maksymilian Kurkowski, a gynecologist.

The twin similarity of phytoestrogens to naturally produced estrogens causes the human body to treat them as the same, allowing lignans to attach to estrogen receptors located in human cells.

When the body is deficient in estrogens, flax lignans replace them. Therefore, consume whole flax grains, low-fat ground flax or other products containing phytohormones during the menopause.

However, medicine inspired by the particularly good condition of Japanese women during menopause also offers agents based on soy isoflavones. On the other hand, the discovery of estrogen-like properties of lignans present in linseed avoids the risk of allergy associated with taking preparations with soy. Additionally, the byproducts of this plant are often subject to controversial genetic modifications.

Plant phytoestrogens do not increase the risk of breast or endometrial cancer

Unlike synthetic human hormones, phytoestrogens mimic natural estrogens in a gentle way and have no side effects. The safety of their use is also due to the fact that phytoestrogens show a greater affinity for ERβ than with ERα, which affects their tissue-selective mechanism of action. ERα receptors are found mainly in the endometrium, mammary gland and ovaries.

Phytoestrogens - unlike HRT - does not increase the risk of breast, nipple or endometrial cancer.

In turn, ERβ receptors are distributed in the ovarian follicles, blood vessel endothelial cells, the brain, kidneys, bones, lungs, intestinal mucosa cells and bladder cells. Lignans binding to ERβ receptors thus have a much weaker effect on the endometrium and the mammary gland. Therefore, taking them does not increase the risk of developing breast, nipple or endometrial cancer. - The action of natural estrogen-like compounds has scientifically proven effectiveness. This is confirmed, among others, by the results of research published in the prestigious journal "Przegląd menopausalny" addressed to doctors dealing with the issues of menopause, which summarizes the positive impact of external estrogens on the he alth of a woman - adds gynecologist Maksymilian Kurkowski. Their regular intake also protects the female body against the development of diseases directly related to the perimenopausal estrogen deficiency and delays the aging process due to its strong antioxidant properties. The menopause - ending an important, reproductive chapter in a woman's life - does not have to be the beginning of an avalanche of he alth and emotional problems and a drastic entry into old age. You just have to take care of it properly.

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