Vitamins for Women on HRT

The female body goes through a variety of changes throughout life. A mature woman's health needs are altered with her body, and the physical and mental changes caused by depleted hormones after menopause require special attention. Some women choose to replenish missing hormones by taking specially created drugs to reduce the discomfort of menopause. Vitamin supplements may help offset health risks associated with hormone replacement therapy.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Synthetic HRT drugs are chemically altered forms of hormones derived from the urine of pregnant mares. According to a study by the Women's Health Initiative, synthetic HRT can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, breast lumps, vision problems, dizziness and depression. The safer option is bioidentical hormones made from plants.

Patients taking HRT are subject to an increased risk of breast cancer, stroke, heart attack, blood clots in the legs and lungs, ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer. This is why it's important to supplement a healthy diet with vitamins that may help reduce the medical risks of HRT.

Antioxidants

A study called the Women's Angiographic Vitamin and Estrogen (WAVE) trial published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that female coronary disease participants on HRT who took vitamins C and E had the highest death rate. Overall results suggested vitamins had no effect on coronary health one way or the other.

Vitamin K

Bone mineral density decreases drastically after menopause. Vitamin K is known to influence bone metabolism by facilitating the synthesis of osteocalcin (BGP). Therefore, it's wise for menopausal women to take a daily vitamin K supplement of 90mcg.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is needed for eyesight, cell growth and a healthy immune system. According to the Institute of Medicine, more than 3,000mcg a day of this vitamin increases the risk of bone fractures. Because postmenopausal women are already susceptible to osteoporosis, it's best to stick to the suggested recommended daily allowance of 700mcg.

Iron

Though iron isn't a vitamin, it's an essential mineral that women need to prevent anemia. The recommended daily allowance is 8mg a day for postmenopausal women, regardless of whether they're on HRT. Keep to the recommended dose because too much iron can cause stomach upset and increase the risk of heart disease.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is vital for proper absorption of calcium, which is crucial to bone health. A calcium supplement is most effective when taken with vitamin D. The recommended daily allowance of calcium for women is 1,500mg and should be combined with 400 IU of vitamin D for ultimate absorption.

Vitamin B Complex

B vitamins are necessary for energy. A deficiency of vitamin B12 can lead to anemia as well as dementia in elderly people. Therefore, supplementing the diet with vitamin B complex is recommended for overall good health in women on HRT.