It is estimated that by 2025 the number of postmenopausal women in the world will be more than 1 billion. The postmenopausal period is characterized by increased levels of follicle stimulating hormone and decreased estrogen levels. The expected life expectancy in developed countries increases significantly and also increases the number of women who remain active in their professional and personal life, so menopausal symptoms can strongly impact the quality of life of this population. But does vitamin E help in menopausal symptoms?
Symptoms of menopause
There are two main symptom groups: vasomotor symptoms (excessive sweating) and genitourinary menopausal syndrome (vaginal dryness, irritation, itching, urinary tract dysfunctions, and dyspareunia). In addition, there are also mood disorders, insomnia, memory or cognitive impairment and others. Although symptoms are frequent, there is still a difficulty in treatment, due to the reluctance of women to seek advice and even the fact that symptoms are underdiagnosed by professionals.
Characteristics and Benefits of Vitamin E
Vitamin E is liposoluble, therefore, it is found in the human body in plasma lipoproteins, being a component of cell membranes. It is consumed mainly through vegetable oils, grains, meat and eggs. Because it is a strong antioxidant, the antiallergic, cardiovascular and neuroprotective or anticancer effects of vitamin E are widely studied. They are capable of decreasing lipid peroxidation and the formation of atherogenic plaques. In addition, it acts as phytoestrogens, capable of modulating estrogen receptors.
Vitamin E helps in vasomotor balance in menopause, plasma lipid profile, and vascular, psychiatric, neurological, as well as vaginal changes. In addition, it has been shown to be a great option when added to hormone therapy or even effective as monotherapy, in women against hormone therapy, such as breast cancer.
Clinical practice: vitamin E and menopause
Menopause is an impactful phase in women’s lives and their symptoms can be difficult to accept. Hormone therapy ends up being unattractive or contraindicated. Thus, vitamin E proved effective in improving menopausal symptoms, such as decreased excessive and sudden heat, improvement in plasma lipid profile and control of vaginal changes. Thus, it is a good alternative in patients with contraindications to hormone replacement therapies (e.g., cancer survivors).
referencesBody
Do plant-based supplements aid in menopausal symptoms? – Science Play
Watch the video on Science Play with Priscilla Antunes: Diet
and Menopause
Article: Feduniw S, Korczyńska L, Górski K, Zgliczyńska M, Bączkowska M, Byrczak M, Kociuba J, Ali M, Ciebiera M. The Effect of Vitamin E Supplementation in Postmenopausal Women—A Systematic Review. Nutrients
. 2023; 15(1):160. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15010160
