Perimenopause is the transitional stage that occurs two to eight years before menopause begins. In perimenopause, a woman's body goes through changes caused by a shift in the hormone estrogen. Hormone levels rise and fall irregularly, until estrogen has declined to a level where menstruation is no longer possible; this begins menopause. The symptoms from this hormonal imbalance are bothersome to many women. They may seek relief through medication or hormone replacement therapy. Some women also take vitamins and mineral supplements to reduce symptoms. Always consult your physician before using any alternative remedy for perimenopause symptoms.
Calcium
A woman in her 50s will more than likely have reached menopause, which occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. During this time, a woman will experience bone loss at a faster rate than she did before menopause. This rapid bone loss can cause a condition known as osteoporosis, which one in five women over the age of 50 will experience. The only way to prevent this condition is by taking calcium supplements. Along with calcium, you must take vitamin D to increase the absorption.
Vitamin E
Changes in estrogen can affect the hypothalamus, which can cause hot flashes in some women. A hot flash is a sudden rush of warmth that occurs in a wave across the body. Some women experience this as a minor nuisance, whereas others find the feeling unbearable. Women may take hormone replacements to get rid of this troublesome symptom, however, taking vitamin E can prove to have the same effect. Power-Surge recommends that women take 400 to 800 IU of vitamin E to reduce hot flashes.
Vitamin B-6
Another symptom that women experience during menopause is mood swings. Changes in mood, including suffering from depression, are caused by fluctuating hormone levels. These changes can occur during menopause, after childbirth and with pre-menstrual syndrome. Menopausal mood changes begin to take place during perimenopause. Women are encouraged to take vitamin B-6 to stabilize their mood. Power-Surge states that moods improved in 78 percent of women who took phenylalanine along with vitamin B-6.
Vitamin B-12
The risk for developing heart disease increases with age. Although men are at a higher risk for developing heart disease, women who have approached menopause have an increased risk. The Harvard Medical School recommends taking 2.4 mcg of vitamin B-12 per day, to decrease your risk of developing heart disease. You can take this supplement on its own, or as a part of a multivitamin or a B-complex supplement.
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