Flaxseed Lowers Androgens in PCOS: Clinical Trial

clinical-trial PMID: 40260281

Quick Summary: A study found that flaxseed may help women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) by lowering androgen hormones, which can cause symptoms like acne and excess hair growth. The study showed flaxseed could improve hormone balance.

What The Research Found

This research looked at how flaxseed affects women with PCOS. The study found that flaxseed helped to lower levels of androgens, like testosterone, which are often too high in women with PCOS. It also showed some improvements in other hormones related to the menstrual cycle.

Study Details

Who was studied: 60 women with PCOS.

How long: The study lasted for 12 weeks (about 3 months).

What they took: Participants took 30 grams of ground flaxseed each day.

What This Means For You

If you have PCOS, this study suggests that adding flaxseed to your diet might help manage some of your symptoms. Flaxseed could potentially help reduce high androgen levels, which can lead to acne, unwanted hair growth, and other issues. However, it's important to talk to your doctor before making any changes to your diet or treatment plan.

Study Limitations

The study wasn't "blinded," meaning both the participants and researchers knew who was taking flaxseed. This could have affected the results.

The study was relatively short, so we don't know the long-term effects.

The study only included women from a specific region, so the results might not apply to everyone.

Key Findings

The study demonstrated that flaxseed supplementation significantly reduced serum androgen levels (including free testosterone) in women with PCOS compared to the control group. Improvements in luteinizing hormone (LH) and LH/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratios were observed, indicating potential modulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis dysfunction. No significant changes occurred in fasting insulin or lipid profiles. The primary conclusion was that flaxseed may ameliorate hyperandrogenism, a core feature of PCOS, through its phytoestrogen and omega-3 content.

Study Design

This was an open-labeled, randomized controlled clinical trial conducted over 12 weeks. Participants were 60 women aged 18–35 years diagnosed with PCOS (Rotterdam criteria), randomized into flaxseed (n=30) and control (n=30) groups. The control group received standard lifestyle advice, while the intervention group added flaxseed to this regimen. Hormonal profiles (testosterone, DHEA-S, LH, FSH, estradiol) and metabolic markers were measured at baseline and endpoint.

Dosage & Administration

Participants consumed 30 grams of ground flaxseed daily, mixed with 200 mL water or yogurt, for 12 consecutive weeks. Adherence was monitored via self-reported diaries and weekly check-ins. The control group received no supplement but maintained routine clinical follow-ups.

Results & Efficacy

Flaxseed significantly reduced:
- Free testosterone: Mean decrease of 1.8 pg/mL (95% CI: −2.5 to −1.1; p<0.001)
- DHEA-S: Mean decrease of 25.3 µg/dL (95% CI: −35.1 to −15.5; p=0.002)
- LH/FSH ratio: Reduced by 0.7 units (95% CI: −1.0 to −0.4; p<0.001)
No statistically significant effects were noted for estradiol (p=0.12) or insulin resistance (HOMA-IR; p=0.21). Effect sizes for androgen reduction were large (Cohen’s d >0.8).

Limitations

The open-label design introduced potential performance bias, as participants and researchers were unblinded. The 12-week duration was insufficient to assess long-term metabolic or fertility outcomes. Sample size (n=60) limited subgroup analyses, and the homogeneous demographic (Iranian women, BMI 28–32 kg/m²) reduces generalizability. Dietary intake outside the intervention was not strictly controlled. Future studies should employ double-blinding, larger cohorts, and longer follow-up.

Clinical Relevance

For PCOS patients seeking adjunctive therapy, daily 30g flaxseed may offer a low-risk, dietary strategy to reduce androgen-driven symptoms (e.g., hirsutism, acne). The lack of metabolic improvements suggests it should complement—not replace—standard insulin-sensitizing treatments. Users should prioritize consistent daily intake and consult clinicians to monitor hormone levels, as effects are specific to hyperandrogenism. Further validation in diverse populations is needed before broad clinical recommendations.