Women who enter menopause may have to take certain supplements or vitamins to maintain good health. After the changes in hormone levels, some body systems will naturally break down, requiring supplementation for maintenance. Vitamins are useful in preventing certain illnesses and also for treating symptoms.
Menopause Definition
Menopause naturally occurs in a woman's mid 40s and 50s and is marked by the ending of the menstrual cycle. This is actually the second stage in menopause, which follows perimenopause--a menopause transition--which occurs two to eight years before menopause. Once a woman has gone through menopause for 12 months with no period, she is said to have entered postmenopause.
Symptoms of Menopause
When estrogen declines so low that menstruation is no longer possible, women begin to experience the physical changes of menopause. Symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, mood swings, hair thinning, vaginal dryness and insomnia. These symptoms can be little more than an annoyance to some and can be debilitating to others. Although some women use hormonal therapy to relieve these symptoms, certain symptoms can be relieved by using vitamins and minerals.
Vitamin E and Hot Flashes
Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin that's known for its antioxidant abilities. According to Harvard Medical School, vitamin E is also known to prevent Alzheimer's disease and prostate cancer. Vitamin E supplements can also be used to prevent hot flashes in women if 400 to 800 IUs are taken daily. According to Power-Surge, it may take six to eight weeks for the effects to be felt.
Mood Swings and Vitamins
Vitamin B6 is a B complex vitamin that works to lower homocysteine levels and also reduces the risk of heart attack, according to Harvard Medical School. Vitamin B6 combats depression and stress by interacting with amino acids in the brain and adrenal hormones. The recommended daily allowance for vitamin B6 is 1.5 mg. Vitamin B6 food sources include liver, beef, pork, turkey, chicken, trout, salmon, brown rice, walnuts, sunflower seeds, lima beans and molasses.
Warning
Before starting any supplement or vitamin program, consult your physician. If you are taking any medications, do not stop them unless instructed by your health care physician.
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