Expert: Florence M Rollwagen - 5/25/2009

Question
I'm not sure if this question is within your area of expertise, but I thought I'd give it a try!  
I am a 27 year old woman and have been taking Flaxseed oil daily (1000 mg Nature Made) for the last 6 months (after having taken it most of last year, with a break of a few months).  I decided to add it to my daily vitamin regimen (which consists of a multivitamin and calcium tabs) after reading about the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids. I've noticed that my breasts are bigger than they were this time last year (They've gone from a 36B to about 36C) and I believe the pills are responsible (as I haven't significantly changed anything else in my diet or daily practices).  Might flaxseed oil be increasing my estrogen levels and does this pose a health threat?  Have there been studies conducted on risks of taking flaxseed oil?  Should I continue to take the supplement?  Thanks in advance for your response!

Answer
Hi Bella:  Thanks for your question.  You're right, I really don't know anything about this topic, but I can find out!

As far as clinical studies go, there is no proven evidence that flaxseed oil can affect the mature breast.  There was one study in immature rats in which flaxseed oil increased breast tissue.  There have also been studies showing that flaxseed oil can reduce complications from certain breast cancers.  Also, flaxseed seems to have an inhibitory effect on estrogens (female hormones).

So that's the medical evidence on the subject.

There is a lot of hype on the internet claiming that flaxseed can cure everything from warts to cancer, so I wouldn't believe everything I read in that sense.

I haven't seen anything about harmful effects of flaxseed oil on women, so I don't think you're doing any harm.

The only other variable is if you have gained any weight.  Flaxseed oil is an OIL, with plenty of calories, so if you have gained some weight, your breasts will naturally become larger.

That's the sum total of what I was able to find out.  If you have more questions, just write back.

FM Rollwagen, PhD