Effects of Dietary Flaxseed in Women with Cyclical Mastalgia (a condition now associated with breast cancer risk). "Although hormone treatments, such as Tamoxifen, may be helpful, they often cause unpleasant 'side' effects and the risks associated with long-term use of hormonal therapy in pre-menopausal women are unknown. Dietary flaxseed is an attractive alternative for controlling the symptoms since flaxseed is a rish source of omega-3 fatty acids and mammalian precursors of lignans, which are structurally similar to tamoxifen and may act to antagonize the action of endogenous estrogens." 116 pre-menopausal women participated and were randomized to receive either a 25g "flaxseed containing muffin" or a placebo muffin. "No significant 'side' effects were seen". "Urine lignans and omega-3 fatty acids were increased in the flaxseed group indicating good treatment compliance and their potential role in observed effects." "It is concluded that flaxseed is effective in relieving symptoms of cyclical mastalgia without significant 'side' effects and might be considered as an alternative treatment for cyclical mastalgia. Its putative mechanism of action may be via the anti-estrogenic effects of the ligans." Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.