[Efficacy of omega-3 on hot flush in perimenopausal women versus placebo]

ABSTRACT

Regarding complications and contraindications of hormone replacement therapy, non hormonal treatment of postmenopausal symptoms is a subject of great interest today. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of omega- 3 in relieving menopausal symptoms, including hot flush. Sixty healthy menopause women suffering from hot flush beginning about 12 months ago [6 to 18 months] were recruited to this placebo- omega- 3 double- blind clinical trial [30 subjects each group]. Menopause rating scale [MRS] was applied and hot flash attacks were registered. Patients took the drug daily for 3 months [omega -3, 1000mg daily and placebo with the same appearance once daily] and the severity and rate of attacks were obtained before beginning of treatment and monthly during the study and then at the third and sixth months after ending the treatment. At the beginning study, there were no significant differences between two groups regarding age, menopause duration, and severity and number of hot flashes. After 3 month, omega- 3 significantly decreased severity of attacks compared with placebo [P=0.005]. But, 3 and 6 months after the end of treatment, severity of attacks were similar in both groups. Omega- 3 with dose of 1000mg daily decreases severity of hot flash attacks, but it has no effects on number of attacks.