Estrogen is needed for the development of female sexual characteristics. Produced by the ovaries, estrogen contributes to the proper functioning of several body systems, including regulation of mental health in men and women. As women age, their estrogen stores are depleted. Because it is essential for good bone density, decreasing estrogen levels predispose post-menopause women to osteoporosis. This informs the need to raise estrogen levels. Men also need adequate estrogen levels for memory and good bone density. Several vitamins, though they don't contain estrogen, help boost levels of the hormone in the body
Vitamin B Complex
Information about vitamin B complex and estrogen is controversial because some folks fail to differentiate between the actions of members of the B complex group. An article in the March 2003 edition of the "International Journal of Oncology" reported that folate, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 acted as estrogen antagonists in estrogen-induced cancer treatment. Folic acid, though a member of the B complex group (B9), acts different than other members of B complex group by raising estrogen levels, as stated at Life Research Universal.com.
Vitamins C and D
To increase your estrogen levels, consume plenty of vitamin C-rich citrus fruits because vitamin C raises estrogen levels.The University of Maryland Medical Center states that vitamin C intake raises estrogen levels, especially in women who were not previously taking the vitamin. The hospital also observed that raised levels of estrogen decrease the effects of vitamin C. Vitamin D also boosts estrogen levels, which explains why it reverses many symptoms associated with menopause.
Vitamin E
Vitamins appear to act differently at different doses. For example, while Raypeat.com specifically identifies vitamin E as an estrogen antagonist, Jeremy Kaslow observed that excessive amounts of vitamin E raise estrogen levels. The fact that vitamin E eases hot flashes and other menopause symptoms supports its estrogen-boosting ability. However, you need to take relatively high doses to enjoy this benefit, according to Life Research Universal.com.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K has estrogen-like properties and is therefore a good choice for boosting estrogen. With the onset of menopause, you tend to use vitamin K less efficiently. Jane Lukacs and colleagues at the Michigan College of Nursing found that post-menopausal women showed lower bone mineral density despite having normal estrogen levels. Vitamin K has properties similar to estrogen, and estrogen increases the absorption of vitamin K, thus explaining why you need more vitamin K after menopause.
References
- MedlinePlus: Estrogen
- Health Medical Articles; Study Suggests Vitamin K Deficiency As An Osteoporosis Chance Component; February 2011
- Raypeat.Com: Vitamin E: Estrogen Antagonist, Energy Promoter, and Anti-inflammatory
- Dr Kaslov.Com: Estrogen Stress
- "International Journal of Oncology"; Medical hypothesis; BT Zhu; March 2003
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)
