For Menopause, several studies have shown the benefits of vitamin C combined with citrus bioflavonoids for relieving hot flashes, insomnia and menopausal losses of mental acuity. Early research with women suffering from hot flashes, found that after one month on 1,000mg or 1,200mg daily of vitamin C along with 300-600mg of mixed citrus flavonoids, 53% had major symptom reduction and 34% noticed definite improvement. In addition, those women had less nighttime leg cramps, nose bleeds or bruising. Other more recent studies have shown benefits for bioflavonoids within one month: menopausal women reported less frequent and also less severe sleep disruption, and alleviation of depression, vasomotor flushing, anxiety, memory loss, and sexual problems.

At menopause, the need for vitamin C increases to ease changes in a number of physical parameters including cardiovascular, collagen production, immune function, cellular energy release, and histamine levels. This water-soluble nutrient is critically important for a host of metabolic processes, even more so as we age and enter menopause; in addition to its familiar benefit as an immune system booster. For women who experience increased menopausal joint aches and pains, vitamin C is used in our body to make collagen, the main structural protein in connective tissue, cartilage, and tendons that holds our bodies stable, and keeps our ligaments and tendons strong around joints. It is necessary for skin integrity, bone strength, joint health, for wound healing, and helps prevent our skin from sagging and wrinkling. A 2009 study of 392 patients looked at vitamin C use as a preventative for connective tissue pain, specifically complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS1) that can result from foot and ankle surgery. They demonstrated the effectiveness of vitamin C in preventing CRPS I of the foot and ankle – a frequent complication. The authors recommend preventive management by vitamin C.¹ Several studies have looked at the relationship of vitamin C and bone mineral density (BMD), which can decline at menopause as the body’s hormone levels drop: There is a positive association of vitamin C with improved bone density in postmenopausal women who also have dietary calcium intakes of at least 500mg.²

Bleeding gums can be a common symptom in menopause, and vitamin C is needed for connective tissue growth and repair in all parts of the body. Vitamin C has a crucial role in gum health and in treating periodontal disease, as vitamin C can improve the permeability of gum tissue. Vitamin C also has an important role in the functions of the inner ear, eye and retina; with protective benefits against cataract and macular degeneration.

Fatigue is a common symptom of menopause, possible due to hormonal fluctuations and stress, and vitamin C is needed to produce ATP, and ATP is needed for cellular energy. It is also an important cofactor for the adrenal glands to manufacture their stress-managing hormones including cortisol.

Vitamin C is a highly effective antioxidant that can protect the body’s tissues from damage by free radicals and reactive oxygen species that form during normal metabolism, as well as through exposure to environmental toxins and pollutants. It helps stabilize the linings of blood vessels, and may help prevent varicose veins and cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, all of which may increase at menopause, as well as reducing risk of blood clots, heart attack and stroke.

Recommendations:
Buffered vitamin C 1,000mg, buffered with magnesium and/or potassium, and including citrus Bioflavonoids 200mg, taken with any meals, one to three doses daily; or as directed by your healthcare provider.

References