Vitamin E Benefits For Menopause

At least 40 percent of women seek medical help to deal with the symptoms of menopause, according to research published in the November 2006 issue of "American Family Physician." The most common symptoms -- hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, irritability and sleep disturbances -- can become so intense they interfere with daily life. Although taking synthetic hormones can help relieve symptoms, many women prefer to take only natural supplements. Vitamin E, one of 13 essential vitamins, may help reduce the frequency and severity of some menopause symptoms.

Hot Flashes

Although not life-threatening, hot flashes can disrupt a daily routine and cause discomfort. Hot flashes occur during menopause due to a dramatic decline in the amount of estrogen produced. During a hot flash the blood vessels dilate, causing a sudden burst of extreme heat along with redness and sweating. Up to 75 percent of women experience hot flashes during menopause, according to research published in a 2007 issue of "Gynecological Obstetrical Investigations." This same study found that women given 400 IU of vitamin E per day for a period of four weeks reduced the frequency of hot flashes by one hot flash per day.

Other Benefits

Vitamin E functions as an antioxidant. This means that it helps protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals -- negative charged particles produced during normal chemical reactions involving oxygen. Because of this antioxidant action vitamin E applied internally in the vagina may also help relieve vaginal dryness that occurs during menopause. Vitamin E also supports the immune system, aids in sending signals between cells, regulates gene expression and becomes involved in reactions necessary for energy production, all of which can benefit patients in menopause.

Intake

Because vitamin E can help relieve the symptoms of menopause, women in menopause should take steps to avoid a deficiency. The National Institute of Medicine Food and Nutrition Board recommends adult women intake 15 mg, equivalent to 22.4 IU -- International Units -- per day.

Sources

Women in menopause can get their daily intake of vitamin E through a variety of sources. Seeds and nuts serve as good food sources of vitamin E. This makes vegetables oils one of the best sources, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Green leafy vegetables like spinach and broccoli also contain vitamin E. Manufacturers fortify breakfast cereals with vitamin E. Eating breakfast cereals also provides vitamin D and calcium, two other nutrients important during menopause.