Women entering menopause are often overwhelmed by the deluge of physical and emotional changes that occur. Vitamins are a popular treatment for women who want to avoid the risks of hormone replacement therapy for menopause. Some of the best vitamins for menopause are Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. These vitamins are also useful for perimenopause, the stage that comes before menopause.
Menopause occurs when a woman’s ovaries stop producing eggs. Most women reach this stage in their 50s. Menopause is accompanied by a number of hormonal and mental changes. Symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, mood swings and lack of menstruation. Women seeking an effective yet safe treatment with few side effects often turn to vitamins for menopause.
Vitamin E is considered one of the best vitamins for menopause because it can help reduce hot flashes and sweating at night. It also can improve cardiovascular health which is an important consideration for menopausal women because they have an increased risk of heart disease. Vitamin E should always be taken with food for proper absorption because it is a fat-soluble vitamin. Some food sources of vitamin E are broccoli, cauliflower and cold-pressed oils.
Many menopausal women experience a loss of bone density. Vitamin D can help strengthen the bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis or osteoarthritis. Women undergoing menopause also need to increase their calcium intake and Vitamin D is crucial for helping the body absorb calcium. It is possible to get vitamin D from the sun by simply spending 20 minutes outdoors during daylight hours. This vitamin is also present in food such as salmon, liver and egg yolks.
Another important vitamin for menopausal women is vitamin A. This vitamin can help improve overall mood which is useful for women experiencing menopause-related mood swings. Vitamin A is part of many commercial vitamins for menopause because it boosts immunity which is very important during this stage of weakened resistance. Dairy food, liver and orange-colored fruits and vegetables are all excellent sources of vitamin A.
The B vitamins are among the most popular vitamins for menopause because of their ability to provide a boost of energy. Menopausal women tend to sleep very little at night because of the hot flashes, night sweats and insomnia that often come along with this phase. Vitamin B-complex can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Women can increase their intake of B vitamins by taking a supplement or consuming more grains, dairy and leafy green vegetables.
Vitamins are an inexpensive and safe way to help the body get through menopause and perimenopause. Women taking prescription medication should consult with their doctors before taking vitamins for menopause to avoid possible interactions. The best way to get vitamins is by consuming natural food sources. Supplements can help women who don’t eat a well-rounded diet.