Vitamins for the Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle is a natural monthly event for women from puberty to menopause. It prepares a woman’s body for pregnancy. Women need extra vitamins during their menstrual cycle to replace lost vitamins and improve their physical and mental well-being. According to the American Pregnancy Association, normal symptoms associated with menstruation include bloating, fatigue, and stress and taking vitamins may be effective in relieving these symptoms.

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Vitamin E

Vitamin E can help relieve some of the symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which occurs a week before a woman’s period and can cause bloating, fatigue, and irritability. Taking 400 IU of this vitamin daily is recommended to combat these symptoms.

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Vitamin B12

According to the Linus Pauling Institute in the United States, a deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to pernicious anemia, which causes extreme fatigue. Fatigue is common during menstruation, so it is important to take B12 supplements or injections to prevent feelings of extreme fatigue. Vitamin B12 also helps reduce symptoms of depression associated with premenstrual syndrome.

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Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 allows the brain to produce enough serotonin,
which can help women feel calm instead of depressed.
Not getting enough of this vitamin can
make it harder for the body to get rid of excess estrogen.
Vitamin B6 can help reduce bloating and create a feeling of calm before your period starts.

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Vitamin A

Vitamin A plays a role in the proper development of reproductive organs, including the uterus, cervix, and vagina.
Vitamin A is an antioxidant and helps maintain the strength of reproductive tissues involved in menstruation.
Without adequate amounts of this vitamin, women may experience amenorrhea, or the cessation of menstrual periods.