Menopause, caused by the natural decline of your reproductive hormones, marks the end of your fertility and menstruation. MayoClinic.com reports that this typically happens around the age of 51 in the United States. Menopause is usually associated with physical and emotional symptoms that include irregular periods, hot flashes, mood swings, low energy, sleep difficulties, increased abdominal fat and thinning hair. You do not require any medical treatment for menopause itself. However, dealing with the symptoms of menopause may require different medications and lifestyle changes, according to MayoClinic.com. Vitamin E is a natural substance that some practitioners recommend as an alternative treatment method for menopause.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E, also known as alpha-tocopherol, is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for your health. Vitamin E functions as an antioxidant and protects cells against damage caused by free radicals. According to the National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements, vitamin E might help prevent or delay chronic diseases associated with free radicals. Vitamin E is also involved in immune function, cell signaling and metabolic processes.
Sources and Intake
The daily recommended dietary allowance for vitamin E is reported as milligrams of alpha-tocopherol or as a biological activity in international units. Recommended intake of vitamin E is 15 mg, or 22.4 IU for adult women. Vitamin E is found from foods like nuts, seeds, vegetable oils and fortified cereals. You can also buy dietary and vitamin supplements that contain vitamin E.
Vitamin E in Menopause
MayoClinic.com states that vitamin E may provide relief from mild hot flashes for some women. A study published in "Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation" in 2007 found that a daily dose of 400 IU vitamin E helped reduce the severity and frequency of hot flashes in menopausal women. However, MayoClinic.com also notes that the overall benefits of vitamin E in relieving hot flashes has not been proved.
Considerations
You should not consume vitamin E in excess. The NIH reports that high doses of vitamin E can cause hemorrhage and problems in blood coagulation. The recommended upper limit of vitamin E intake for adults is 1,000 mg, or 1,500 IU per day. Always consult your doctor before deciding any form of treatment and before making any changes to your vitamin E intake.
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