Once women reach the menopause years, usually around the age of 50, a variety of physiological changes and symptoms occur that can have a profound impact on their lives, according to Andrew Weil, M.D., a world-renowned leader and pioneer in the field of integrative medicine. Menopause is a term that refers to the end of menstruation, the result of the natural decline in the hormones (estrogen, progesterone and others) produced in the ovaries. After years of preparing and releasing eggs, the ovaries eventually reach a point where they end their monthly routine. As hormone levels decrease, a number of symptoms may emerge, although their presentation and severity varies greatly from woman to woman. Dr. Weil states that the most common menopause symptoms are hot flashes, depression, insomnia, vaginal dryness, irritability, mood swings and headaches. A balanced diet along with daily exercise and variety of vitamins can help stabilize hormonal levels and alleviate menopause symptoms.
Vitamin B-Complex
Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D., states that vitamin B-complex can help alleviate hot flashes in menopausal women because it helps to balance hormones by metabolizing estrogen in the body. During the menopause years, a decrease in estrogen and an increase in the production of follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH) and luteinizing hormones (LH) can cause hot flashes. According to Anne Collins, nutritionist, menopausal women need extra vitamin B6 to help regulate their hormones because hot flashes often deplete the body of B vitamins. The recommended daily allowance for vitamin B-complex is 400 mcg.
Vitamin C
Anne Collins, nutritionist, maintains that vitamin C helps produce the collagen needed to prevent wrinkling during menopause. Menopausal women often experience a loosening of their skin that causes the appearance of wrinkles. According to the Women's Center for Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery, collagen consists of elastic fibers and hair follicles and is located in the dermis, the supportive layer of the skin. The Women's Center for Cosmetic Plastic Surgery states that without collagen, the skin becomes wrinkled, poorly attached to the body and loses much of its resiliency. The level of estrogen within the body affects the thickness and plenitude of collagen, which decreases by as much as 2 percent during menopause. The recommended daily allowance for vitamin C is 75 mg.
Vitamin E
Anne Collins, nutritionist, adds that vitamin E may relieve hot flashes as well as depression and anxiety in some menopausal women. Vitamin E is sometimes called the "menopausal vitamin" because it contains chemical activities that are similar to estrogen. This vitamin is often used as an estrogen substitute in menopausal women in order to balance their hormone levels. The recommended daily allowance of vitamin E is 8 mg.
Bioflavonoid
According to "Vitamins and Health Supplements Guide," bioflavonoid is a water-soluble plant pigment with anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic, anti-viral, and anti-carcinogenic properties. Bioflavonoid is vital for vitamin C absorption and should be taken together. The guide also states that bioflavonoid helps to maximize the benefits of vitamin C by slowing its breakdown in the body. Anne Collins, nutritionist, says bioflavonoid aids in calming hot flashes, menopausal vaginal problems, anxiety and emotional problems. The recommended daily allowance of bioflavonoid is 500 mg.
Vitamin D
The website Menopause A to Z suggests vitamin D can help prevent bone loss, a common problem associated with menopause. A lack of vitamin D increases the risk for osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and broken bones in menopausal women. Women can receive vitamin D either by taking supplements or from natural sunshine. According to the website Women to Women, vitamin D also promotes normal cell growth and differentiation throughout the body, working as a key factor in maintaining hormonal balance and a healthy immune system. The recommended daily allowance of vitamin D is 10 mcg.
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