In this week’s Memos, I’ll review several studies—not large clinical trials, but studies that make you think about possibilities and direction. The first update is a case study on polycystic ovary system (PCOS) and ground flaxseed. A registered nurse attending a conference I addressed last weekend called it to my attention.

Ground flaxseed is something I recommend to men with an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer. It contains lignans that bind to testosterone. PCOS is usually found in women who are overweight and affects the ability to conceive. Abnormal hormone levels are also a characteristic of PCOS including high testosterone levels. The subject of the study had read about a clinical trial on men with prostate cancer that used ground flaxseed to reduce testosterone levels. She discussed using flaxseed to treat her PCOS. The physician tracked a number of hormone levels, and after four months, she had reduced her free testosterone levels by half and was back into the normal range for women.

Ground flaxseed might be something for women to consider if they have PCOS. It’s a great source of omega-3s and fiber as well as lignans, so ground flaxseed is good for you whether it helps PCOS or not. The critical thing is to buy the flaxseeds whole and grind them in a coffee grinder. Store them in the refrigerator and use two tablespoons per day in oatmeal, smoothies, or any other way you want to eat them. Remember, this was a case study with a single subject. It’s not certain that flaxseeds will help PCOS in every case, but it may help some. It may also help with facial hair growth and hair loss in post-menopausal women. What are you prepared to do today?

        Dr. Chet

Reference: Curr Top Nutraceutical Res. 2007; 5(4): 177–181.