Hormonal changes in menopause can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, menopause can result in hot flashes, mood swings and night sweats because your ovaries cease to produce estrogen and progesterone. Menopause can also cause a reduction in levels of magnesium, which may result in mood changes and, in some cases, conditions such as depression. Magnesium supplementation may help mood-related symptoms of menopause, although you should always inform your doctor if you plan to take any dietary supplement.
Importance of Magnesium
Magnesium is required by your body for a number of important biological processes. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, magnesium plays a role in bone growth and development, regulates calcium and other nutrient levels, affects energy production and is crucial for heart health. During menopause, your levels of magnesium may drop because of decreased estrogen production. Since magnesium helps regulate calcium levels, decreased magnesium levels can affect bone health and place you at a higher risk of developing postmenopausal osteoporosis. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency also include fatigue, weakness, personality changes, loss of appetite and numbness or tingling sensations, says the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.
Menopause and Mood
Due to the decline of estrogen levels, mood swings are, unfortunately, a common symptom during menopause. The Medical Center of McKinney reports that many perimenopausal women -- women who are still going through the transition from ovulation to menopause -- also experience anxiety and irritability. Additionally, you may experience symptoms of insomnia, tension and depression. While antidepressants can often improve depressive symptoms, mood changes and hot flashes, some women prefer to use natural herbal or nutritional supplements to avoid some of the negative side effects associated with these medications. Although the evidence is limited, some studies show that magnesium supplementation may have a beneficial effect on menopause-related mood symptoms.
Clinical Evidence
There is limited clinical evidence to support the benefits of magnesium supplementation on menopause-related mood symptoms. In a March 2009 letter to the editor of the "Journal of Clinical Oncology," Thomas J. Smith of the Massey Cancer Center at Virginia Commonwealth University reports two case studies of menopausal women with breast cancer in which magnesium supplementation provided relief from hot flashes and improved sleep and overall well-being. A study published in the August 2006 issue of the Italian gynecological journal "Minerva Ginecologica" showed that magnesium combined with magnolia extract produced a beneficial effect on sleep and mood, including a reduction in depressive symptoms and irritability levels. While these studies have demonstrated promising benefits, more clinical research is needed to fully evaluate the benefits of magnesium supplementation on menopause-related mood symptoms.
Considerations
While magnesium may help certain mood symptoms during menopause, you should not use magnesium supplements unless under your doctor's supervision. Consult a qualified medical professional if you are suffering from mood swings or symptoms of depression or anxiety. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, hormone replacement therapy may help reduce the loss of magnesium during menopause. However, hormone replacement therapy can cause certain undesirable side effects. Consult your doctor to discuss whether hormone replacement therapy is right for you.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Menopause
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Magnesium
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Magnesium
- Medical Center of McKinney: Stages of Life: Menopause
- "Journal of Clinical Oncology"; Magnesium Supplements for Menopausal Hot Flashes; T. Smith; March 2009
- "Minerva Ginecologica"; Soy Isoflavones, Lactobacilli, Magnolia Bark Extract, Vitamin D3 and Calcium. Controlled Clinical Study in Menopause; M. Mucci, et al.; August 2006
