What Vitamins Are Good for Menopause?

Entering midlife---and menopause in particular---can be a tumultuous time for women. In her 40s, a woman's body changes considerably. Consequently, vitamins that once were sufficient no longer do the trick. Knowing (and properly taking) the proper dosages of vitamins and minerals can help alleviate symptoms of menopause and improve your comfort and quality of life.

Calcium

At least 1,250 mg of calcium daily is required for perimenopausal women to maintain strong bones and prevent osteoporosis. For calcium to be properly absorbed, 200 IU (international units) of vitamin D also is recommended. Another benefit to taking calcium is it can help improve sleep.

Multi-Vitamin

It's best to look for a daily multi-vitamin that contains vitamins such as B-6, at least 400 IU of vitamin D to aid calcium absorption and prevent osteoporosis and up to 400 mg of magnesium. It's also important that the multi-vitamin contains upwards of 800 mcg of folic acid. If the multi-vitamin does not contain this level of folic acid, a supplement should be taken.

Additional Vitamins and Supplements

Take 600 IU of vitamin E---divided into daily doses---to help relieve menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats. Taking the proper amount of vitamin E also helps maintain heart health; however, it's important to note that vitamin E needs to he taken with food and should not be taken in doses higher than 200 IU daily at a time. Additionally, bioflavonoids decrease the incidence of hot flashes, especially when taken with vitamin C. Vitamin C also keeps blood vessel membranes strong while acting as an antioxidant.

Aspirin

Before entering menopause, women should consider taking 325 mg of aspirin daily, which is the equivalent of half of an adult dose. When taken as an antiplatelet, aspirin acts as an anticoagulant, significantly reducing the risk of heart attack.