Perimenopause is caused by changes in the hormone levels in your body and can cause a variety of symptoms. Vitamin E supplements are sometimes used to treat the symptoms of menopause. Some research that vitamin E is effective in this regard, but you should talk to your doctor before taking vitamin E or any other type of supplement.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin, which means that it does not dissolve well in water and is better absorbed when accompanied by dietary fat. Vitamin E comes in multiple different forms in the human body, with the predominant form being alpha-tocopherol. Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant and can help protect your cells due to damage from molecules known as reactive oxygen species or free radicals.
Perimenopause
Perimenopause occurs when your body makes a gradual transition from full fertility to menopause. During menopause, your menstrual cycle may become more irregular or infrequent. Your period may also become lighter or heavier and other symptoms, such as vaginal dryness, sleeping problems and hot flashes may also develop. Perimenopause can begin in your late 30s or 40s and eventually results in menopause, which is a complete shutdown of the female reproductive cycle.
Vitamin E and Perimenopause
Vitamin E supplements are sometimes used to treat the hot flashes that can occur during perimenopause. The hot flashes are a result of the changes in your hormone levels and can be treatd or prevented with estrogen. A study published in a 2007 issue of "Gynecologic and Obstetric Evaluation," however, found that vitamin E was an effective treatment for reducing hot flashes. These women took pills containing 400 IU of vitamin E each day.
Considerations
Vitamin E can be found in whole grains, green leafy vegetables, vegetable oils and nuts. Doses of vitamin E less than 2,000 IU are generally not associated with any serious side effects. Doses higher than this can impair blood clotting, increasing your risk of developing bleeding problems. The dose of vitamin E needed to reduce hot flashes, however, is lower than this. Still, you should talk to your doctor before taking vitamin E supplements.
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