Menopause begins between the ages of 45 and 55, when levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone decline so low that menstruation is no longer possible. When these hormones decline, women experience symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, forgetfulness, vaginal dryness, hair thinning and insomnia. In some cases, women are given hormone replacement pills to relieve these symptoms, however, multivitamins can be used to prevent and relieve symptoms of menopause.
What is a Multivitamin?
A multivitamin is an over-the-counter supplement that contains vitamins and minerals essential to health and development. Multivitamins can be formulated for certain age groups; these particular vitamins may contain higher dosages of individual vitamins than other multivitamin supplements. Multivitamins contain a mixture of both fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins.
How Does it Benefit Menopausal Symptoms?
Multivitamins contain essential vitamins and minerals needed for growth and development of bones, tissue, muscle, organs and for regulating sleep, appetite and hormones. Multivitamins also contain an important mineral called calcium, which is needed during menopause to prevent osteoporosis, a condition characterized by the loss of bone density, according to MedlinePlus.
Fat-Soluble Vitamin Benefits
Fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K are included in multivitamin supplements. Vitamin A, or retinol, helps maintain the health and growth of bones and teeth and keeps the mouth, nose and throat moist, according to the Colorado State University. Vitamin D promotes bone hardening and is also needed to absorb calcium. Vitamin E can be used to eliminate hot flashes, according to Power-surge, if you take between 400 and 800 IUs a day. Vitamin K helps blood to clot and also helps maintain strong bones.
Water-Soluble Vitamin Benefits
Vitamins C and all of the B-complex vitamins are water-soluble and must be replaced daily. B vitamins regulate mood, balance sleep and appetite, improve memory and cognition and promote energy. These vitamins are especially needed during menopause since women often have problems with their memory, sleep and energy. Vitamin C may prevent certain cancers and improves the immune system.
Considerations
See your physician if you are taking a multivitamin and you don't see any improvement. Your physician may suggest you take a higher dosage of particular vitamins to relieve your symptoms.
