In the years leading up to menopause, women can experience a variety of symptoms. Perimenopause, the name for the symptomatic phase leading up to menopause, can begin as early as ten years prior to cessation of menstruation. The typical onset of perimenopause is three to five years prior to menopause. Symptoms include night sweats, hot flashes, irritability and other emotional and physical symptoms brought about by hormonal changes. Vitamins may help minimize some of these symptoms. Check with your health care provider before self-treating for any condition.
Vitamin C
Taking vitamin C with bioflavonoids has been shown to reduce hot flashes, according to PowerSurge.com. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that strengthens blood vessel membranes. It also helps maintain adrenal function, which is important because the adrenals play a role in hormone regulation. Adding bioflavonoids to your vitamin C dosage may help because structurally they mimic your body's own estrogen supply.
B Complex
Taking B complex vitamins can help to alleviate the fatigue associated with perimenopause. According to Linda MacKenzie's Body Center, vitamin B complex also helps to reduce emotional imbalance, low libido and stress -- all which can lead to fatigue. Different B vitamins help with exhaustion in different ways, according to the Supplement Directory. For instance, vitamins B1, B6, B9 and B12 all boost energy while B5 reduces fatigue and relieves stress by supporting adrenal function. Co-enzyme Q-10 may also help to reduce exhaustion.
Many women report mood swings, irritability and emotional instability during premenopause. Vitamin B12 may help to restore emotional stability, according to HolisticOnline.com. Deficiencies in vitamins B1, B2 and B3 can all cause anxiety, depression and irritability, so supplementation may help to alleviate these symptoms. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression or other mood changes, talk with your doctor.
Vitamin D
Insomnia is a frequent complaint in perimenopause. Vitamin D combined with calcium can help, especially when taken in the evening, according to NaturalNews.com. Calcium works as a tranquilizer while vitamin D improves its absorption into the body.Linda MacKenzie also recommends vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, as an effective cure for perimenopausal insomnia.
References
- Women to Women: Menopause and Perimenopause; Dixie Mills, M.D., FACS
- Power Surge: What Is a Hot Flash
- Linda MacKenzie's Body Center: Menopause: Natural and Nutritional Remedies; Linda MacKenzie, FACS, Ph.D.
- Supplement-Directory.com: Vitamins for Fatigue
- Natural News: Vitamins Help You Sleep Better and Cure Insomnia; Melanie Grimes
- Holistic Online: Nutrition and Diet
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