Menopause occurs in a woman when her menstrual periods cease for a full year. This can happen at any time, but commonly occurs around age 52. At that time, women may experience symptoms such as weight gain, mood swings, hot flashes and a decrease in bone mass. Certain vitamins and supplements may help ease menopause symptoms. Consult your doctor before taking any type of vitamin or herbal remedy, as they may be dangerous when taken with some medications.
Calcium and Vitamin D
Calcium is an important supplement to take during and following menopause. Women should take it throughout their lives for optimal health. Calcium strengthens bones and teeth and helps with smooth muscle contraction. Around the time of menopause, calcium is important to protect the bones from osteoporosis as the body's natural estrogen levels decline. According to the National Institute of Health, women over age 50 should take 1,200 mg of calcium daily. Vitamin D works to enhance calcium absorption in the body and you should always take it with calcium. Women over 50 also should take 400 IU of vitamin D daily. Many calcium supplements on the market contain a combination of calcium and vitamin D.
Soy
Soy is a natural supplement that might help lessen the bothersome signs and symptoms of menopause. Foods made from soy contain plant-based estrogens called phytoestrogens or isoflavones. These help to replace lost estrogen experienced during menopause. They provide relief for hot flashes and night sweats, reports the Menopause A to Z website. You can take soy supplements, but the body absorbs it best from natural food sources. Foods containing soy include soy milk, soybeans, tofu and miso. Studies have linked soy to lowering the body's cholesterol levels and decreasing bone loss.
Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential vitamin for menopausal women. It activates enzymes, contributes to energy production and helps regulate calcium levels as well as copper, zinc, potassium, vitamin D, and other important nutrients in the body, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. It works interdependently with calcium and vitamin D to maintain healthy bones and teeth. Women may want to take a vitamin B complex along with magnesium as it helps determine the rate of magnesium's absorption into the body's cells.
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