Evidence supporting the use of: Lignans (mixed)
For the health condition: Menopause

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lignans are a type of phytoestrogen—plant-derived compounds with estrogen-like activity—that are found in foods such as flaxseed, sesame seeds, whole grains, and some fruits and vegetables. Their use for menopausal symptoms is primarily rooted in traditional and folk medicine, especially in cultures with diets high in lignan-rich foods. The rationale is that lignans, when metabolized by gut bacteria, can exert weak estrogenic or anti-estrogenic effects, potentially balancing hormone fluctuations that contribute to menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats.

However, the scientific evidence supporting lignans for menopause symptom relief is limited and mixed. Some small studies and observational research suggest women with higher dietary intake of lignans (especially from flaxseed) may experience modest reductions in hot flashes or improvements in overall menopausal quality of life. Yet, systematic reviews and meta-analyses often conclude that the evidence is insufficient or inconsistent, citing methodological limitations, small sample sizes, and variability in lignan sources and dosages. Lignan supplements (as opposed to dietary sources) have been less well studied.

In summary, while there is a traditional basis and plausible biological mechanism for lignans' use in menopause, current scientific validation is modest at best, warranting a rating of 2 for the level of evidence.

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