Symptoms of Menopause and Important Benefits of Menopause Supplements

The lower production of the female sex hormones estrogens and progesterone lead to some women experiencing menopausal symptoms debilitating, beginning even during premenopausal and lasting for years. Symptoms associated with menopause actually happen during the premenopausal stage. However, not all women suffer from this and some of them also go through menopause without any complications or unpleasant symptoms.



Symptoms of Menopause –

The following parts of the body are affected in a menstrual cycle –

• urinary tract
• reproductive system
• heart
• bones
• blood vessels
• breasts
• hair
• skin
• mucous membranes
• brain
• pelvic muscle

Menopause occurs when women stop menstruating and is a fact of life for many women. The time before menopause when women gradually produce less estrogen is called pre-menopause.
The following are the symptoms of menopause-

• Changes in menstrual cycle
• Vaginal dryness and pain with intercourse
• Hot flashes
• Insomnia or problems sleeping
• Urinary tract infections
• Frequent urination or urinary incontinence
• Decreased libido
• Vaginal atrophy
• Skin, hair, and other tissue changes
• Depression and mood swings

Benefits of Menopause Supplements –
With the decrease in estrogen levels in the body there is a risk of developing the following medical conditions –

• Osteoporosis
• Heart disease
• Urinary incontinence

Here are five vitamins that help minimize the symptoms of low estrogen.

Vitamin A –

Vitamin A is helpful to maintain bone health after menopause. By eating orange and yellow fruits and vegetables you get all the help you need from beta carotene. Find a supplement that has at least 20 percent vitamin A from beta-carotene. But don’t take more than the daily recommended value of 5,000 IU of vitamin A supplements.

Vitamin B-12

Vitamin B-12 is necessary for:

• Bone health
• DNA production
• Neurological function
• Creating red blood cells

Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble vitamin found in many foods. As you get old, your risk of vitamin B-12 deficiency increases as your body loses some of its ability to absorb vitamin B-12

Vitamin B-12 deficiency may cause anaemia in its later stages. For females 14 and older the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin B-12 is 2.4 micrograms (mcg) daily. To meet this requirement take a vitamin B-12 supplements and eat fortified foods during and after menopause.

Vitamin B-6

Drop in the Serotonin level in the body are often act as a contributing factor in the mood swings and depression common in menopause. Serotonin is a chemical responsible for transmitting brain signals. Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine) helps make serotonin. For females 19 and older The RDA of vitamin B-6 is 100 milligrams (mg) daily. Taking a vitamin B-6 supplement during and after menopause helps to curb loss of energy and depression.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency may increase your risk of bone fractures, bone pain, and osteomalacia (softening of the bones). Women ages 19 to 50 should get 15 mcg (600 IU) vitamin D daily; women over 50 should get 20 mcg (800 IU). Taking supplements will ensure that you’re getting the appropriate amount each day.
Foods that contain vitamin D include:

• Fatty fish
• Beef liver
• Fish liver oils
• Cheese
• Fortified foods
• Egg yolks

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps to –

• Fight cell-damaging free radicals in the body.
• Reduce inflammation in the body.

Vitamin E helps ease stress, reduces oxidative stress, and may help reduce your risk of depression. Foods that contain vitamin E are:

• Wheat
• Hazelnuts
• Almonds
• Avocado
• Shellfish
• Broccoli
• Squash
• Spinach
• Sunflower seeds

To make the menopause transitions easier do the following things –

• Staying physically active,
• Managing stress,
• Getting enough sleep
• Opt for nutrient-dense foods such as:
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Whole grains
• Healthy fats
• Seafood
• Nuts
• Seeds

Monitor your health and answer any questions you may have about menopause symptoms and schedule regular appointments with your doctor. Depending on the person, Menopause symptoms can last for months or years. Before taking vitamins, if you take medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist about potential interactions.