Several studies have indicated that with vitamin E, menopause symptoms such as hot flashes can be significantly reduced. Through many clinical trials, vitamin E supplementation has been shown to be an effective treatment for relieving the symptoms of menopause.
Clinical Studies
A number of studies have shown the beneficial connection between menopause and vitamin E. The earliest studies were conducted in the 1940's. These initial studies reported that women who take vitamin E experienced a 50 percent reduction in the number of hot flashes. The scientific explanation behind the findings indicated that vitamin E might act as a substitute for estrogen. Therefore, vitamin E would be able to regulate and control hot flashes.
Mayo Clinic Study
One of the most recent studies concerning the connection between vitamin E and menopause was conducted by one of the preeminent medical center, the Mayo Clinic. The study looked specifically at whether vitamins affected hot flashes in women who were being treated for breast cancer. Women were given 800 IUs per day for nine weeks.
The conclusion of the study was that the degree of hot flash relief showed no significant difference from those who took a placebo. It should also be noted that most studies show that women taking placebos instead of vitamin E experience about a 20 percent relief in their hot flashes. Therefore, perhaps the false belief which the placebo provides offsets the actual benefits of those taking vitamin A, which must be greater than the placebo effect.
Recommended Dosage of Vitamin E for Menapause
The recommended dosage for menopausal women is 600 to 800 IUs of vitamin E, taken daily. Three or four doses spread out evenly throughout the day is highly recommended. If you have hypertension it is not advised to take three or four daily doses of vitamin E.
Menopausal Symptoms Vitamin E Relieves
Vitamin E has been shown to be an excellent supplemental vitamin treatment for alleviating the severity of common menopausal symptoms, including:
- Night sweats
- Hot flashes
- Heart health
- Palpitations
How to Take Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin. This means it must be taken with food in order to be properly absorbed. There are many reliable food sources of vitamin E. Taking vitamin E without food will not help reduce the symptoms of menopause. The best way to take vitamin E to treat menopause is to take one 200 IU capsule with every meal, for a total of three meals per day. You can also take a fourth 200 IU dose of vitamin E before you go to sleep. It is even better if you are able to take that fourth dose with a snack, such as fruit or yogurt. It is not recommended to take a dosage higher than 200 IU at any given time. Vitamin E is toxic and can be dangerous when taken in high quantities.
Important: Women taking anticoagulant medications such as Coumadin should consult with their physicians before taking Vitamin E. This is because taking too much vitamin E can result in bleeding.
Recommended Type of Vitamin E
It is important to make sure that you take the appropriate form of vitamin E. Natural vitamin E, also known as d-alpha tocopherol, is highly recommended rather than dl-alpha-tocopherol. Be careful to make sure you choose the correct form, as dl-alpha-tocopherol is the more common synthetic version sold in the stores.
Additional Benefits of Vitamin E
- Studies show that women who take vitamin E over the course of a two year period can reduce their risk for fatal heart attacks by up to 40 percent.
- Vitamin E benefits the cardiovascular system.
- Taking vitamin E with other anti oxidants such as chromium, beta-carotene, selenium and vitamin C might provide a beneficial synergistic effect.
- Many studies are currently underway to provide more information about the link between taking vitamin E and the prevention of Alzheimer's disease and cancer.
Putting Vitamin E Menopause into Perspective
Vitamin E might be able to help reduce the symptoms of menopause. However, there are also many studies which indicate that vitamin E supplements do not help with menopause. There has been an increased interest in recent years concerning the relation between nutritional supplements and menopause because of the health risks connected with hormone replacement therapy.
Though vitamin E is an essential anti-oxidant required by the human body, a good daily multi-vitamin usually contains more than the necessary quantity of vitamin E. Some studies of vitamin E menopause show promise, yet others continue to raise doubts.
