Supplements for Menopause and Hot Flashes

There are a large number of nutritional and dietary supplements for menopause that can help control and reduce uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes, bleeding, mood swings and depression. Supplements can improve overall health, but more importantly, certain nutrients can ease the physical, emotional and mental stress brought on by this time of change. Here are several supplements that can help you look and feel younger and get the menopause relief you need.

Vitamin E is an important menopause supplement because it helps decrease hot flashes by balancing estrogen levels in the body. Postmenopausal women who get an adequate amount of vitamin E also experience a decrease in risk of death from heart disease.

Take 400 International Units (IU) of vitamin E per day for the best results. Take with a bit of fat, such as a glass of whole milk or buttered toast to increase absorption. It may take about six weeks of continuous use to see noticeable results, but they'll come if you continue to take the supplements as directed.

Vitamin C and bioflavonoids are excellent supplements for remedies when taken together. Doctors recommend taking these two substances in conjunction to help reduce hot flashes. They work by strengthening capillaries and small blood vessels, which causes a decrease in the intensity and frequency of hot flashes.

You can find a combination supplement containing both vitamin C and bioflavonoids in most health food stores, or order them online for a better deal. Either way, look for a supplement that contains at least 500 to 1000 milligrams of vitamin C and 200 to 500 milligrams of bioflavonoids per capsule. Take according to the manufacturer's instructions for proper dosage.

Pantothenic is an effective supplement for menopause, particularly when night sweats are a problem. It is a B vitamin that boosts the function of the adrenal glands, which also regulate estrogen production. Try taking 500 milligrams of pantothenic acid per day if night sweats are keeping you up at night. Continue taking daily until you get relief.

Flaxseed is another of the best supplements for menopause, as it acts like a weakened form of estrogen in the body. If taken regularly, it will reduce menopausal symptoms and lubricate vaginal tissue.

Take 1 to 2 tablespoons of flaxseed per day for the full benefits. Do not take whole seeds, as your body cannot absorb them. Instead, buy them pre-ground or better yet, grind them fresh yourself in a coffee grinder. Sprinkle the ground seeds over yogurt, cereal, salads, soups, casseroles or any of your other favorite foods. You can also take flaxseed oil once per day if you don't want to grind the seeds.