The Best Natural Vitamins for Perimenopause

The Best Natural Vitamins for Perimenopause
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Perimenopause is the first stage of menopause, occurring in a woman's 30s or 40s, according to MayoClinic.com. In perimenopause, a woman's estrogen level declines and rises rapidly, causing symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, irregular menstrual cycles and mood swings. Women can treat some of these symptoms by using birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy. However, some women may chose to take vitamin supplements to decrease these symptoms naturally.

B-Complex Vitamins

B-complex vitamins are eight essential B vitamins needed for proper growth and development. These are vitamins B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5, B-6, B-7, B-9 and B-12. B vitamins are responsible mainly for regulating mood, appetite and hunger as well as reducing the risk of developing certain cancers. These particular functions are especially important to women in perimenopause or menopause, since they often have trouble with insomnia and fatigue, as well as mood swings. In addition, a deficiency in B vitamins may make things worst due to the symptoms it causes such as fatigue, anemia and hair loss. You can take a B-complex vitamin on its own or it can be taken as a part of a normal daily multivitamin.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an important antioxidant which is used to protect your cells from damage, it can also be used to treat hot flashes. When estrogen declines, the hypothalamus located in the brain begins to go haywire. This causes a shift in the body's temperature, which is often registered as a warm flushed feeling, known as a hot flash. According to Power-Surge, taking 400 to 800 IUs of vitamin E daily, can help provide relief. They do state however that it may take up to six weeks to feel the effect.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps to absorb calcium. During perimenopause, estrogen begins to decrease. This decrease can cause a rapid loss of bone, which causes a condition known as osteoporosis, The only way to prevent osteoporosis, according to MedlinePlus, is to take calcium supplements. However, calcium cannot be absorbed properly by the body without taking vitamin D. You are recommended to take at least 200 IUs of vitamin D daily, according to the Harvard Medical School.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a vitamin that is required for healthy skin and tissues. In addition to these benefits, Menopause the Natural Way states that vitamin A can be taken to reduce the physical changes that will take place within the first year of menopause. Women around the age of menopause, which is between the ages of 45 and 55, may also begin to notice changes in their eyesight. Taking vitamin A daily can help prevent eyesight problems.

References

Article reviewed by Jenna Marie Last updated on: Jan 4, 2011

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