| The metabolic changes that occur during | | | | greatly reduce triglycerides. Vitamin B-5 |
| menopause need to be considered when | | | | (pantothenic acid) helps the body use and |
| determining a woman’s daily requirement of | | | | distribute the estrogen that it is making. Vitamin E |
| vitamins and supplements. Certain vitamins and | | | | has been shown to reduce hot flashes by as |
| supplements can help to curb the symptoms of | | | | much as 50% in many studies. Niacin helps raise |
| menopause, but also may help to reduce other | | | | HDL (good cholesterol) and lower LDL levels. It is |
| health risks, like heart attack, stroke, and | | | | especially effective when combined with vitamin |
| metabolic syndrome, that increase at the onset | | | | C. |
| of menopause. | | | | Vitamin C helps many vitamins and supplements |
| The most common symptom of menopause is | | | | to move through glucose, increasing their |
| hot flashes. Over three-fourths of women | | | | effectiveness, especially in diabetics. Vitamin C |
| experience them. During a hot flash, the | | | | also works with CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10) to |
| body’s core temperature rises. The | | | | produce collagen and elastin needed to repair and |
| woman’s body seems to be more sensitive | | | | strengthen arterial walls, reducing plaque in the |
| to even slight temperature changes during | | | | heart and the other risks associated with heart |
| menopause. The temperature change can cause | | | | disease and menopause. Cholesterol medications |
| the skin to suddenly become flush and women | | | | can disrupt the production of CoQ10, so ask your |
| report sweating profusely. An episode can last | | | | doctor about supplementing if you are taking |
| several minutes and can occur multiple times a | | | | them. |
| day. Most women overcome hot flashes naturally | | | | Hot flashes disrupt sleep and interrupt the lives of |
| after one to five years, but some women | | | | menopausal women. But, they also deplete the |
| continue to experience them for the rest of their | | | | body of vitamin C. During menopause, hormone |
| lives. | | | | production switches over from the ovaries to the |
| Some women successfully manage hot flashes by | | | | adrenal glands. Higher levels of vitamin C are |
| taking estrogen, but the side effects can | | | | necessary for the support and function of the |
| bothersome or even dangerous. Side effects, | | | | adrenal glands, but most menopausal women do |
| such as an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, | | | | not have enough vitamin C in their diets or |
| and dementia shy many women away from | | | | supplement regimens to support this need. |
| treating menopause symptoms with estrogen, | | | | If you are menopausal or post-menopausal, talk |
| especially since the risk of heart attack and | | | | to your doctor about which vitamins and |
| stroke are already increased by the menopausal | | | | supplements may help you with your symptoms. |
| phase itself. | | | | When you buy vitamins, remember that your |
| Cholesterol increases at the onset of menopause, | | | | need for vitamin C can be much higher than the |
| which contributes to many of the risks that are | | | | normal daily recommendation. |
| associated with menopause. Certain vitamins and | | | | To curb stomach upset, damage to teeth, |
| supplements help with controlling cholesterol levels | | | | excipient intake, sugar consumption, and |
| and can greatly reduce your risk of developing | | | | expenses, consider taking a buffered vitamin C |
| these diseases. | | | | powder supplement instead of a chewable vitamin |
| Soluble fiber can drastically reduce LDL (bad | | | | C. You should talk to your doctor before you buy |
| cholesterol) levels by as much as 20% when | | | | vitamins. Ask about drug interactions and safe |
| consumed through diet or through supplement | | | | dosages for your situation before you begin your |
| form. Omega-3 fatty acids, like DHA and EPA, can | | | | regimen. |