During menopause, hormone levels, including estradiol levels, decline in women and the ovaries stop producing eggs. Estradiol is a specific type of estrogen, produced in the ovaries, and is the most abundant hormone in women during their reproductive years. Declining levels of estradiol can lead to brittle bones, vaginal dryness and an increase in urinary tract infections. Certain vitamins may help to decrease these side effects and improve estradiol levels.
Vitamin E
Researchers believe too much estrogen can cause breast cancer in some women. In a 2009 study published in the “Journal of Surgical Research,” researchers provided vitamin E supplements to women diagnosed with breast cancer. Researchers were examining the link between vitamin E and tamoxifen, a drug used to treat the cancer. However, research discovered that vitamin E appeared to raise estrogen stimulation. Vitamin E is found naturally in certain foods, such as sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach, peanut butter and kiwi.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C may increase all estrogen levels, including estradiol. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, vitamin C can increase estrogen levels when taken with birth control or hormone replacement therapy, especially if you are already deficient in the vitamin. As of date of publication, however, there is no research that indicates if vitamin C can increase estradiol levels if you are not taking oral estrogen. Vitamin C is found in various fruits and vegetables. It is also available in supplemental form.
B vitamins
Some of the B vitamins, specifically B-6, B-12 and folate, may help improve estradiol levels and relieve some of the symptoms associated with menopause. A 2006 study published in the “International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research” found that postmenopausal women treated with vitamins had significantly higher estradiol levels. Researchers provided 20 overweight women with vitamins C, B-6, B-12 and folate for the study. Animal protein, nuts and whole grains are good sources of B vitamins. You can also take a vitamin B-complex supplement.
Other Vitamins
Because your body needs estradiol for some functions, you may need to take other vitamins and minerals after menopause. You should increase your vitamin D and calcium intake to help protect your bones. Vitamin D and calcium should be taken together to help your body absorb the nutrients. Vitamin A can help prevent the vaginal dryness associated with low estradiol levels. Vitamin A may also lower your risk for urinary tract and yeast infections that may occur because of low estradiol levels.
References
- PubMed Health: Menopause
- Healthy Women: Estrogen
- “Journal of Surgical Research”; Vitamin E Increases Biomarkers of Estrogen Stimulation When Taken with Tamoxifen; E.A. Peralta, et al.; May 2009
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin E
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin C
- “International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research”; Effects of Short-Term Supplementation with Ascorbate, Folate, and Vitamins B6 and B12 on Inflammatory Factors and Estrogen Levels in Obese Postmenopausal Women; W. Palmas; January 2006
