Menopause marks the permanent end of fertility. The transition into menopause can take several years. During this time it can produce a variety of physical and emotional symptoms such mood swings, irregular periods, vaginal dryness and hot flashes. Eighty-five percent of menopausal women in the United States experience hot flashes to some degree, notes the website breastcancer.org. Vitamin E has been suggested as potential remedy for menopausal hot flashes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Frequency and Intensity of Hot Flashes
Vitamin E may offer relief from menopausal hot flashes in some cases, reports MayoClinic.com. A study published in July 2007 in "Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation" found women volunteers who received 400 IU soft gel vitamin E caplets daily for four weeks reported fewer and milder hot flashes. The study was headed by S. Ziaei of the Faculty of Medical Science, Tarbiat Modarres University, Tehran, Iran.
Hot Flashes and Breast Cancer
Women who have had breast cancer may tend to suffer more severe hot flashes than the average menopausal women, particularly those who are adjusting to the breast cancer drug tamoxifen, reports the website breastcancer.org. A Mayo Clinic study published in 1998 in the "Journal of Clinical Oncology" found a group of breast cancer patients who took 800 IU of vitamin E daily had fewer hot flashes than participants who received a placebo. The study was lead by D. L. Barton of the Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, .
Considerations
Vitamin E supplement doses typically range between 50 and 1,000 IU. Check with your health care provider before taking vitamin E supplements. Vitamin E has the potential to increase the risk of bleeding, particularly in people who take blood thinners like warfarin, clopidogrel to prevent blood clots, or aspirin.
It is generally recommended that you obtain vitamin E from food rather than supplements, points out the UMMC. Dietary sources of vitamin E include wheat germ, eggs, liver, nuts and sunflower seeds, soybean, asparagus and yams.
You may be able to manage menopausal hot flashes by identifying and avoiding common triggers. Stress, alcohol, caffeine and spicy food can all set off hot flashes, according to breastcancer.org. Getting regular exercise may also help reduce hot flashes.
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