When you are going through menopause, it may seem like every aspect of your life is affected. Hormonal changes associated with menopause can affect your sex life, weight, mood, health and even your body temperature. Menopause can be a challenging time in your life, but certain vitamin and mineral supplements may help ease your symptoms. Speak with your doctor before taking any supplements. Certain supplements may be unsafe to pair with medications you may already be on.
Hot Flashes
The most common menopausal symptom is the hot flash. It begins with a sudden burst of heat on your face, arms and chest and can progress to an elevated heart rate and shortness of breath. According to BreastCancer.org, vitamin E may be helpful in fighting your hot flashes. Supplementing your vitamins with 800 IU of vitamin E can help reduce your hot flashes.
Anxiety
According to WomentoWomen.org, anxiety is usually the first sign that menopause is occurring. A drop in your progesterone production may be to blame for your increased levels of anxiety. This can also lead to sleep deprivation, which can increase your anxiousness. Taking a supplement of vitamin D might help reduce your mood swings and anxiety. It may also help you to get a good night's sleep. A post-menopausal woman should get 600 IU of vitamin D each day.
Vaginal Bleeding
Another common symptom of menopause is irregular vaginal bleeding. Some women experience a light and spotty flow, while others can experience a heavy bleed. Certain menopausal medications can also increase vaginal bleeding. To replenish nutrients that you've lost from vaginal bleeding, you may need to take an iron supplement. Losing blood can decrease your iron, and a decreased level of iron can lead to anemia, a condition characterized by fatigue. Women up to age 50 need to get 18 mg of iron per day.
Other Considerations
Though its not a physical symptom, you may be able to see or feel, after menopause your rate of bone breakdown exceeds the rate of bone formation. This is due to the reduction in estrogen production that comes with menopause. To combat bone loss, post-menopausal women should increase their calcium intake to 1,200 mg of calcium per day.
References
- National Osteoporosis Foundation: Factors That Put You At Risk; 2011
- WomensHealth.gov: Menopause; Sept. 28, 2010
- BreastCancer.org: All About Hot Flashes; Jan. 27, 2010
- WomentoWomen.com: Anxiety in Women; Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP; March 14, 2011
- WomensHealth.gov: Anemia; May 13, 2008
- BreastCancer.org: Managing Menopausal Symptoms; Dec. 2, 2008
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