As women enter the menopausal phase of their life a great number of things are happening inside of the body and brain. Before the cessation of the menstrual cycle, women’s ovaries sometimes begin producing too much or too little estrogen and progesterone. The progesterone level is known to fluctuate at a rapid pace, causing instability throughout the body. These changes in hormones can lead to a number of health concerns, including:
- Bone loss: Low estrogen levels increase the rate of bone loss, mounting the risk of osteoporosis.
- Skin changes: Decreased estrogen also leads to low collagen, which is a building block of healthy skin and connective tissue.
- Tooth and gum changes: Hormone fluctuations also impact connective tissue, which increase the risk of tooth loss and gum disease.
- Heart Health: Although it is not largely understood why, the risk of heart disease increases after menopause.
With a host of side effects like hot flashes and night sweats, paired with an increase of possible health issues, menopause is a time to pay close attention to what your body needs. Although you may have been healthy and active your entire life, you still need to supplement your body as you go through the menopausal process. The good news is that by finding the right supplements and vitamins, you can minimize the risk of side effects and menopausal related health concerns.
Protect Your Heart
Heart health is important at all stages of life, but with the increased risk of heart disease at menopause, it is important to make sure your heart gets the vitamins and minerals it needs. Some of the compounds that have been proven to help avoid heart disease are Vitamin B-6, B-12, magnesium, folate, niacin, potassium and calcium. By choosing a multi-vitamin that contains most or all of these compounds, you can maintain optimal heart health.
Prevent Bone Loss
In a report issued by the Surgeon General of the United States, as many as 35 percent of postmenopausal women have osteoporosis of the hip, spine, or distal forearm. In order to help keep the bone disease at bay, a combination of key vitamins can play a big role. While most of us know that calcium is important in the avoidance of osteoporosis, there is compelling evidence that vitamins K and D are equally important at staving off the diagnosis. Vitamins D3, K1 and K2 have also been shown to play an important role in the prevention and reduction of the bone disease. Fortunately this ideal combination of compounds can be found in some of the high quality supplements currently available.
Promote Joint Health
Another issue that often accompanies menopause is a decline in the health of their joints. Women who have been active throughout their life might begin to notice that they have increased pain and a lack of flexibility in many of their joints, specifically the knees, hips and hands. Less-active women often report an increase of pain and a reduction in mobility. In order to avoid this or minimize the effects, finding a multi-vitamin that has the right combination of joint supporting compounds is critical. There are many supplements that claim to support joint health, but be sure to choose one that is of the highest quality and preferably made with natural eggshell membrane to up your joint health.
Avoiding Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
Hot flashes and night sweats are the most commonly reported and most irritating symptoms reported by women experiencing menopause. A number of studies have looked into ways women can use supplement in order to reduce these unwanted symptoms. The most noteworthy vitamins used to reduce the symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats are vitamin E (daily dose of 400iu) and vitamin B. Other studies have shown promise in sufficient doses of calcium, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin C.
Regulating Your Mood
Another commonly cited side effect brought about by the hormone fluctuations during menopause includes moodiness and a generally depressed mood. By increasing certain vitamin and mineral levels women can combat the effects of a depressed mood. Some of the supplements associated with improved mood and focus are omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium and vitamins B, C and D.
Battling a Slowing Libido
No, not everyone wants to talk about sex during menopause; but the fact of the matter is that when hormones shift, so does the libido. Many women experience a lower libido during and after menopause. Fortunately, this does not have to be the case. There is a number of libido enhancing supplements to help keep your spark. Some of the most proven include vitamins A, B3, B6, B12, C, E, folic acid, magnesium, selenium and zinc.
While menopause is commonly looked at as a difficult evolution for many women, it doesn’t have to be. By knowing how to support your body, you can significantly improve the experience of transitioning through the menopausal stage. Paying close attention to whether you are getting both the correct vitamins and minerals, as well as the right amount, you can avoid many of the commonly associated side effects and conditions. Striking the right balance can be the difference between menopause marking the end of an era and it representing a new beginning. The right combination of vitamins, minerals and nutrition play a big role in successfully making your way through this stage of life. Pay close attention and choose the right supplement so that you can stay healthy, active and happy.
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