Perimenopause, also called premenopause, is the stage that occurs 2 to 8 years before menopause begins. During this stage women may experience classic menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings and dry skin. Some women find taking vitamins eases these symptoms. Also as the need for certain vitamins and minerals increase with menopause, perimenopause is a good stage to begin to prepare for the changes ahead. Before taking vitamins for perimenopause, please speak to your physician.
Hot Flashes
According to Power Surge, 75 percent of women experience hot flashes. A hot flash is described as a rush of warmth that comes over the body and is mostly concentrated in the neck, chest and face. Hot flashes are often triggered by changes in hormone levels, which naturally occur during perimenopause and menopause. Women may also experience hot flashes due to an abrupt loss of estrogen from radiation, chemotherapy or surgery. Vitamin E is often recommended to women to help eradicate hot flashes. A prescription of 600 to 800 IUs daily with the vitamin C supplements helps in most cases, according to Power Surge.
Mood Swings
During perimenopause women may experience mood swings due to a decrease in the hormone estrogen. According to Power Surge one of the most common signs associated with folic acid deficiency and vitamin B-12 deficiency is depression. Taking vitamin B-12 and folic acid supplements can help prevent mood swings associated with deficiencies in these vitamins. Vitamin B-6 taken in combination with phenylalanine can also help improve mood.
Skin Health
Hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause can cause the skin to become dry. Using lotions that contain vitamins A, B, C, D and E can help keep your skin stay moisturized and healthy. You can also take these vitamins orally as a multivitamin supplement formulated for skin health. These vitamins are also contained in over-the-counter daily multivitamin supplements.
Menstrual Changes
During perimenopause women may experience periods that are shorter or longer than usual and may also experience lighter or heavier bleeding than usual. Women who experience heavier bleeding lose iron, and if left untreated, may develop iron deficiency anemia. In order to prevent this condition, take a multivitamin that contains 100 percent of the recommended dietary value of iron; similarly, you can take an iron supplements on its own. To increase absorption, take this supplement along with vitamin C.
