As you pass through different stages of life, your nutritional needs may vary slightly. Women who take contraceptives may require different supplements than those who are trying to get pregnant, or who are pregnant. When breast-feeding or menstruating, a woman's body requirements may change. During peri-menopause and menopause, needs may again be different. Different vitamins and minerals for different times of your life should be talked about with your health-care provider.
Menstruating Years
All women, of any age, may benefit from a good multivitamin with minerals. Women who are menstruating may require extra nutritional help to deal with exceptionally heavy periods. Iron supplements may help with any heavy losses of blood. Two-thirds of the body's iron goes into hemoglobin, which carries the oxygen in your blood, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Calcium and vitamin D, especially in teens and younger women, help with growing bones. Your doctor can help you decide what vitamin and mineral supplements are best for you.
Childbearing Years
Women who are considering having a baby may want to supplement their diets with folic acid, sometimes called folate. Folic acid helps to keep the placenta healthy and may prevent any brain and spinal defects in the fetus. The brain and spinal column of your baby develop before most women know they are pregnant, so taking folic acid when trying to conceive is a good precautionary measure. During pregnancy, proper fetal growth and development may depend on adequate intake of iron, folic acid and calcium. Check with your health-care provider when choosing the proper vitamins, as inappropriate amounts of vitamins and minerals may harm your baby, according to the American Pregnancy Association.
The Menopause Years
Menopause is defined as the end of a woman's fertility and menstruating, marked by 12 months of being period-free. The period prior to this is called perimenopause. During menopause, usually in your 40s and early 50s, your nutritional needs may focus on reducing some of the symptoms of menopause. Calcium and vitamin D may help to reduce bone loss that may begin at this time. Vitamin E may help reduce or eliminate hot flashes. Always consult your doctor when choosing vitamins and minerals.
The Postmenopause Years
The years after menopause are referred to as postmenopause. During this period of a woman's life, health issues such as osteoporosis, heart health, breast cancer and cognitive symptoms may be of concern. Vitamin E, an antioxidant, may help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems, some cancers and dementia, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. A 2010 review in the journal "Maturitas" did a meta-analysis of several studies and found that vitamin C, D, K and calcium may promote bone health in postmenopausal women.
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