The pre-menopause period of a woman's life is generally called perimenopause. During this time, a woman's body transitions from her menstruating years to menopause. The end of perimenopause is marked by a full year of having no menstruation, or menopause. There is no set age women go through perimenopause although it generally occurs in the 40s. If you are experiencing this phase, you will probably go through symptoms like irregular flow and length of your period, hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness and trouble sleeping. Some vitamins might ease these symptoms, although you should discuss the use of vitamin supplements with your physician.
Vitamin D
One symptom of perimenopause is bone loss from lower levels of estrogen in your body, which can lead to osteoporosis, states MayoClinic.com. For this symptom, vitamin D might help when taken with calcium. Calcium prevents bone loss and vitamin D supports this process by aiding your body in the absorption of calcium. Obtain vitamin D through your diet in foods like fish and meat, milk and dairy products and mushrooms, and added to cereal. Discuss with your doctor whether you should take a calcium with vitamin D supplement.
Vitamin E
A 2007 study by S. Ziaei published in "Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation" found that vitamin E relieved the intensity and endurance of hot flashes in study participants. Although the article related to menopausal women, hot flashes are also a symptom of pre-menopause. Vitamin E is found in foods such as vegetable oil, fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, spinach, pumpkin and broccoli, eggs, fish, nuts and seeds and is sometimes added to cereal, states the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service. Ask your doctor whether you should take vitamin E supplements.
Vitamin B6
A 1999 study by P. Verhoef and colleagues published in "European Heart Journal" found that pre-menopausal women in the study had low levels of vitamin B6 in their systems. This finding suggests that vitamin B6 is needed by this population. Find this vitamin in food sources such as fish and meat, nuts, cereal and other grains, and fruits and vegetables like bananas, plums and potatoes. Ask your doctor before taking a vitamin B6 supplement.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Perimenopause
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service: Nutrient Lists
- PubMed: The Effect of Vitamin E on Hot Flashes in Menopausal Women; S. Ziaei et al; 2007
- Homocysteine, Vitamin Status and Risk of Vascular Disease: Effects of Gender and Menopausal Status; "European Heart Journal"; P. Verhoef et al; 1999
