Vitamins & Herbs For Menopause Symptoms

Many women dread the onset of menopause, and with good reason: This natural stage in every woman's life can be the source of many unpleasant symptoms. Approximately 40 percent of women will seek medical care for the most common symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and sleep disturbances, according to information published in "American Family Physician." For women who choose to go through menopause naturally, taking certain vitamins and herbs can help reduce the occurrence and severity of the symptoms. It is important to tell your healthcare provider of all dietary supplements you are taking.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E includes a group of eight different organic compounds. Each compound acts as an antioxidant, which means it helps to protect cells from damage caused by negatively charged particles in the body. During menopause the ovaries reduce the production of estrogen, which causes hot flashes, also known as hot flushes. The hot flashes occur due to a sudden dilation of blood vessels causing a sudden and brief feeling of hotness. When this occurs at night doctors refer to it as a night sweat. Taking vitamin E supplements may help reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes. It may also help relieve vaginal dryness, another common complaint among menopausal women.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, also acts as an antioxidant in the body. Vitamin C helps the body repair itself as it supports the production of collagen -- the protein necessary to form skin, cartilage, tendons, blood vessels and bones. These two functions make vitamin C important for women going through menopause. Taking vitamin C supplements may help reduce hot flashes. In addition, it triggers a buildup of collagen that helps to make skin more elastic, which can reduce vaginal dryness. Vitamin C and vitamin E both help protect against the onset of heart disease, which remains the leading cause of death for women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

B Vitamins

The B vitamins, a group of eight different vitamins, help the body break down foods and utilize the energy. They are often referred to as the "stress" vitamins because they help reduce anxiety, tension and irritability -- symptoms often felt by menopausal women. When the body enters menopause the production of estrogen in the ovaries declines, but the adrenal gland tries to pick up the slack and produces some estrogen. Increasing your intake of B vitamins can help reduce the stress on the adrenal glands allowing them to produce estrogen that can help reduce the symptoms of menopause.

Black Cohosh

Black cohosh, a botanical or herb, has gained the attention of the scientific community and women as a possible treatment for the symptoms of menopause, especially hot flashes. Black cohosh may exhibit activity similar to the hormone estrogen. Some studies revealed by the National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements suggest that taking black cohosh can relieve hot flashes and other menopause symptoms. Other studies conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that black cohosh failed to relieve menopause symptoms. Although more studies need to be conducted to determine the effectiveness, many women continue to take this herb. Take caution as black cohosh can cause headaches, stomach discomfort, liver damage and should not be taken by pregnant women, women with breast cancer or women taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy drugs.

Dong Quai

Dong Quai, another herbal supplement, is often taken to relieve menopausal symptoms. Some women report relief from hot flashes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, but few scientific studies confirm its effectiveness. The effects on menopause symptoms may be due to an estrogen-like effect and for that reason doctors warn those with a hormone-related cancer, like breast cancer, against taking Dong Quai.