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A recent pilot study suggests that magnesium supplementation may help relieve hot flashes associated with breast cancer.
The study included 29 women with breast cancer who experienced at least 14 hot flashes per week. They received 400 milligrams of magnesium oxide (increasing to 800 milligrams, if needed) for four weeks. The frequency and severity of hot flashes were assessed at the beginning and end of the study period.
Twenty-five women completed the study. The researchers found that the frequency of hot flashes reduced by an average of 41.4 percent after magnesium supplementation. The severity of symptoms also improved by about 50 percent.
Reported side effects were minor and included headache, nausea and diarrhea.
While these early results are promising, additional research is needed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this therapy. The researchers are planning to conduct a randomized controlled trial in the future.
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