The North American Menopause Society states that menopause is a natural event that occurs in aging woman and is when a woman does not menstruate for 12 straight months. Women who experience menopause will have symptoms that include night sweats and hot flashes, mood swings and depression as well as anxiety, memory problems and headaches.These symptoms are caused by hormone changes and can be very uncomfortable at times. There are a variety of vitamins that can help reduce some of the discomfort that menopause can create.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E, which is fat-soluble, is considered the star vitamin for many women who are experiencing menopause. This is because it relieves so many menopausal symptoms. According to Amanda McQuade Crawford, who is an assistant professor at the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Massachusetts and author of the book "The Natural Menopause Handbook," vitamin E can help with night sweats and hot flashes. This is due to the fact that vitamin E may act as an estrogen substitute. In addition, this antioxidant vitamin can help with some of the psychological symptoms many women experience. It also can aid with dry skin that happens with menopause and vaginal dryness. Be sure to follow the instructions for dosage.
B Vitamins
The B vitamins are essential in regulating estrogen levels, according to Linda Ojeda, professional speaker on women's health, nutritionist and autho rof the book "Menopause Without Medicine." Vitamin B-1 can help with irritability and memory loss, which is common with menopausal women. Vitamin B-6 can aid with depression, anxiety and insomnia because it converts tryptophan into serotonin. In addition, B-6 can help with a woman's concentration level. Vitamin B-12 assists with energy levels, as many women may feel a lack of energy during menopause. In addition, it supports the nervous system. Since B vitamins are referred to as the stress vitamin, a good B complex might be a very valuable vitamin to add to your natural menopause regimen.
Vitamin D
In her book "Smart Medicine for Menopause," Sandra Cabot, a medical doctor for over 30 years who specializes in natural medicine, suggests that vitamin D can act like a vitamin and a hormone replacement. This vitamin may help the body absorb calcium better, which is good for the bones as women begin to age. By combining vitamin D and calcium, not only can it increase bone health, it can help with the weight gain that accompanies menopause. It can also aid in the treatment of depression that can happen when women are menopausal. Women taking this vitamin should follow the orders of those prescribing it.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C can be a healthy choice for women experiencing menopause. It strengthens and builds the immune system, which can help establish better health, according to Marilyn Glenville, Ph.D., who is a nutritionist and specializes in women's health. This common vitamin may prevent vaginal dryness and reduce urine leakage that happens with menopause. Vitamin C with bioflavonoids can help decrease hot flashes, which can be uncomfortable for women.
References
- The North American Menopause Society
- "The Natural Menopause Handbook"; Amanda McQuade Crawford; 2009
- "Smart Medicine for Menopause"; Sandra Cabot; 1998
- "Menopause Without Medicine"; Linda Ojeda; 2003
- Natural Health Website for Women; The Menopause: Introduction: Marilyn Glenville, Ph.D.
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