Vitamins are required for every stage in life. When a woman approaches her middle years it is especially important to get adequate vitamins, as several medical conditions such as heart disease and osteoporosis increase with age. In addition, menopause begins between the ages of 45 and 55 and causes symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings, which may be reduced by taking certain vitamins.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant used to protect cells from free radical damage. According to the Harvard Medical School, vitamin E also decreases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease that increases with age. In addition, women who have approached menopause may begin to experience hot flashes as a result of decreasing estrogen. Power-Surge recommends taking between 400 to 800 IUs per day to get rid of these hot flashes.
Vitamin D and Calcium
As a woman ages, her need for calcium increases due to a reduction in estrogen. Reduced estrogen causes a rapid decrease in bone loss, which results in a condition known as osteoporosis. According to MedlinePlus one in every 5 American women over the age of 50 has osteoporosis. They also state that taking calcium along with vitamin D, can prevent this condition. The body needs a hormone called calcitriol to absorb calcium properly; this hormone is made by vitamin D.
Vitamin B6
During menopause, the hormones estrogen and progesterone are significantly reduced, which can cause changes in mood. Menopausal women often complain of having rapid changes in mood, called mood swings. According to Power-Surge vitamin B6 can be used to reduce mood swings by increasing the body's natural feel good hormone, serotonin. Vitamin B6 can be taken on its own, or as a part of a B-complex vitamin. The Harvard Medical School recommends taking 1.3 mg of vitamin B6 per day.
Folic Acid
After menopause begins, a woman is at an increased risk of developing heart disease. Heart disease describes a range of diseases that affect the way the heart works. According to the Harvard Medical School taking folic acid decreases the risk of developing heart disease. Women are recommended to take 400 mcg per day.
Member Comments