Vitamins can be helpful in dealing with the symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, depression and heavy menstrual flow. Specifically, vitamins E, B Complex vitamins, vitamin C and iron all can play a role in decreasing the severity and inconvenience of menopause symptoms. In addition to healthy lifestyle changes, taking vitamins can help lessen some of the negative symptoms of menopause.
Vitamin E
Even though hot flashes that occur during menopause can typically be treated with hormone replacement therapy, there is another option available. A daily vitamin E supplement may potentially be just as effective with fewer side effects than hormone replacement therapy.
Vitamin E may be able to act as an estrogen substitute. Not only can it relieve hot flashes, it might also help with night sweats, erratic moods and vaginal dryness.
While there are no substantive studies to support the effectiveness of vitamin E, it is often used to supplement other, alternative therapies for menopause. For treatment of hot flashes a standard dose of vitamin E is 800 IU per day. Even though vitamin E taken at this dose is not considered toxic, check with your physician before embarking on a vitamin E treatment program for menopause, especially if you have high blood pressure or are diabetic.
B Vitamins
Another common symptom of menopause is stress. Stress has a negative effect on the body by depleting it of B vitamins, which in turns leads to being tired, feeling anxious and being irritable.
Estrogen levels that are high during menopause or perimenopause (the time preceding menopause), also have a negative effect on vitamin B levels. This in turn may lead to depression. The vitamin B6 also plays a key role in the functioning of the liver and its ability to regulate hormone levels.
Taking a B complex vitamin is a good choice for dealing with the varying emotions associated with menopause. Make sure it contains B6, thiamin and niacin.
Vitamin C and Iron
For those women who experience heavy bleeding during menopause, taking vitamin C may be helpful in easing the blood flow, and may actually slow it down.
Bioflavonoids are the chemical components found in vitamin C, and may help to strengthen the capillaries just prior to menstruation, reducing the amount of blood that is lost. Becasue bioflavonoids have a lot of similar chemical traits as estrogen they may also be critical in helping with hot flashes, night sweats and erratic moods. Look for a supplement that contains 1,000 mg of vitamin C and 800 mg of bioflavonoids. Take according to package directions.
In addition to taking C, it is important to supplement iron levels during menopause, due to loss of blood during heavy bleeding periods. Vitamin C helps the body metabolize iron more readily. Look for a supplement that contains both vitamin C along with iron for best results.
Simply drinking a glass of orange juice is a good way to get vitamin C. Take an iron supplement with orange juice for the full benefit of both supplements. Fifteen mg of iron is a sufficient dose.
Check with your physician if taking vitamins does not help improve your menopause symptoms.
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