Menopause, known as "the change," occurs in middle-age women, usually in their late 40s and early 50s, after their menstrual cycle ends. In this stage, women will experience symptoms due to hormonal changes. These symptoms may be mild in some cases and so severe in others that it may cause the woman to have to take days off work. Although treatment is available for some of these symptoms through hormone therapy, some symptoms are also treatable through vitamins and minerals.
Menopause
During menopause, the hormone responsible for menstruation and ovulation, estrogen, will have decreased to such a low level that menstruation is no longer possible. Menopause comes in three stages, perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause. Perimenopause is the two- to eight-year period when a woman begins to notice symptoms of menopause; this occurs before menopause begins. Postmenopause is the period of time that occurs after the menstrual cycle has ended for 12 consecutive months.
Physical Changes
Because of the hormonal changes in menopause, women go through many physical changes as well. Some of the most common symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic, include vaginal dryness, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood swings, increased abdominal fat, hair thinning and loss of breast fullness. The Mayo Clinic website stresses that menopause doesn't technically hit until the menstrual period has been gone for one year, which on average occurs around the age of 51 in the U.S.
Vitamins
Vitamins are necessary to sustain human life, good health and longevity. Low levels of certain vitamins can result in illnesses and diseases, but taking these vitamins regularly can help prevent these occurrences. Vitamin A can help improve skin growth and skin repair, which may help maintain healthy vaginal tissue in menopausal women, according to the book, "Menopause the Natural Way." B-complex vitamins are useful for treating symptoms of menopause and postmenopause as well. For instance, niacin, or vitamin B3, helps support mental clarity and memory and also stimulates mucus formation. Pantothenic acid, or B5, according to "Menopause the Natural Way," is essential for proper brain function and stress management. Vitamin C is helpful when coupled with Vitamin E to prevent hot flashes.
Minerals
Minerals are just as important to human health and longevity as vitamins are, and like vitamins, they can be used to treat and prevent a host of menopausal conditions. The mineral boron--found in apples, pears, peaches, grapes, dark leafy vegetables, soy, wine, cider, beer, honey and cinnamon--is good for reducing the level of calcium lost from the bones, which normally occurs during a woman's middle-age years. Calcium, found in most dairy products, helps prevent bone loss, irritability, headaches and insomnia. Selenium, when paired with vitamin E, can help reduce hot flashes and on its own helps to promote skin elasticity.
Warnings
Before taking any vitamin or mineral supplements, see your physician. Some vitamins can cause serious health problems if too much is taken.
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